Telegenic and affable but facing policy theft

STRENGTHS: With over two decades’ experience at all levels in politics from councillor to TD to minister, Ryan was communications minister from 2007-2011 in an ill-starred coalition with Fianna Fáil.

When the Greens suffered an electoral wipe-out in the 2011 election, he then led a steady rebuild with a new generation of members and activists, and used the “wilderness years” to strengthen EU and international links with other Green parties. Environmental issues are now high on voters’ priority lists – especially younger voters.

Ryan is hardworking, telegenic and affable. He insists he will talk to all-comers in coalition negotiations while the final decision rests with party members, who must vote by two-thirds majority for joining government.

WEAKNESSES: He is vulnerable to being labelled Dublin-centric despite longstanding rural links. He is similarly vulnerable to being accused of having too narrow a political focus, though the party has worked to broaden its policy areas. Like too many politicians, he can be longwinded.

OPPORTUNITIES: After the 2011 meltdown, the party rebuilt slowly. If current opinion poll showings are borne out on polling day, it could have up to six Dáil seats – on a good day, with strong transfers, the Greens could break double digits. This raises the prospect of having enough TDs to join a coalition.

THREATS: All the other parties have persistently stolen his and the Green Party’s clothes in terms of policy. Given the primacy of environmental issues, that theft will only intensify. In a worst case scenario, it could render the party redundant.

He could also struggle to get the necessary two-thirds of members to vote to approve joining any coalition after the election.