Greens’ deputy calls on support for deal ‘Potential to make real change’ claims Martin

CATHERINE Martin yesterday strongly called on her party to vote to go into government and said the agreement is “the best Green deal in the history of the country”.

The Greens deputy leader also said there should be a review of the administration’s progress every two months, with a potential re-negotiation of the Programme for Government two years in.

Speaking at a special online party convention, she told the 2,600 members that if they vote for the deal they need to go into the Dail with their eyes wide open.

She said: “I have decided to vote to enter government because I believe it is within government that we have the potential to make real change. All I can say about what is not in this deal is that we must never give up.

“Throughout the document there are significant Green traits to shape a greater future in terms of the environment.

“I am satisfied the deal negotiated was the best achievable and at its heart many worthwhile [Green principles].

“As a card-carrying Green Party member, there are some losses and we should not look at it through rose-tinted glasses.

“Many will be disappointed that more concessions on animal welfare, agriculture and housing were not achieved. Our concerns about the Development Agency remain substantial and real.

“There is, of course, an easier place to be. Opposition is a safer option but the extent of the wins achieved in the negotiations makes it the wrong place to be at this crucial and pressing time for Ireland and the planet.”

Ms Martin also referred to the setback of the Covid-19 pandemic and the 130 days since the General Election.

She said: “It is a risk, a huge risk but one I am prepared to take, we must put the country first and never let it be said that we did not at times do all in our power to protect the planet.”

Meanwhile, Ms Martin’s husband, Dublin South West TD Francis Noel Duffy, has severely criticised the Programme for Government agreement.

He said it may well be a good deal for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael but not for the Green Party.