Fossa’s Diarmuid takes on new role for the county’s Greens

GRIFFIN TO REPRESENT GREENS IN KILLARNEY ELECTORAL DISTRICT

AS the Government formations talks continue with the Green Party, back in Kerry the party is continuing to try and build its base in the county.

It has now selected a Fossa native, Diarmuid Griffin, to be its local area representatives for the Killarney Electoral Area.

Although the party has currently no elected councillors or TDs in Kerry, a number of high-profile party members are working on the ground to build up the party.

Among them is Cleo Murphy, who ran for the party, in the General Election this year, and performed well for a first-time candidate.

Diarmuid is a tour guide, environmental activist and vegetable grower.

His main policy interest for Killarney is to help promote domestic eco-tourism in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I have worked as a tour guide for many years, and I feel that there is potential to attract younger, more active and eco-conscious visitors to Killarney,” Mr Griffin said.

“When we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, people will be seeking experiences closer to home. The domestic market will be very important.

“We have to protect our National Park and develop our walking trails, marine attractions and adventure tourism to reboot our tourism business.”

Having recently worked on an organic vegetable farm in the Killarney area, Mr Griffin is conscious of the value of local, fresh and chemical-free food.

“If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s the importance of local food production for our own community resilience,” he said.

“We can also build our reputation for locally produced food in Kerry to enhance our tourism business.”

Mr Griffin was actively involved in campaigning for Kerry’s Green Party candidate Cleo Murphy in this year’s General Election, and the experience has stood him well, he feels.

“The experience of knocking on doors and talking to people has convinced me that Killarney needs a Green Party representative to highlight our issues,” the Fossa man explained.

He is now hoping to encourage others to join the party and to help grow its base in Kerry.

“The town made history when it elected the first Green Party public representative in Ireland, back in 1985 when Marcus Counihan won a seat on Killarney UDC,” he said.

“It’s time we become active again, and I’m delighted the Kerry branch of the Green Party selected me for the role.

“I’m inviting others in Killarney to join the party and help me campaign for environmental change at a political level.”

Diarmaid Griffin, who has been chosen as the Killarney Electoral Area representative for the Green Party.