Green split revealed as pleas on government aired by both sides
ELECTED Green Party representatives have come out with statements on both sides of the argument about going into government.
One group representing members north and south of the border have come out against the plan, saying it represents an ‘unjust recovery’. The statement was signed by three party TDs – Francis Duffy, Patrick Costello and Neasa Hourigan – as well as prominent Dublin City councillor and party chair Hazel Chu and Cork councillor Lorna Brogue.
The group said the offer represents ‘one of the most fiscally conservative arrangements in a generation’. General election candidates Seán McCabe and Saoirse McHugh also signed the statement, as well as the party’s leader in the North, MLA Clare Bailey. Under Green Party rules, members in the North can vote on the programme for government, which will need a two-thirds majority to pass, but only 195 of the 800 members there have registered to vote on the plan.
In the statement, the group said: ‘As Green Party elected representatives and members from across this island, we believe this draft programme for government represents an unjust recovery.’
But last night, a statement was issued signed by 26 elected members of the party which included councillors, TDs,
MEPs and senators, supporting the programme for government. Among those who signed on to the statement are TDs Brian Leddin, Malcolm Noonon, Marc Ó Cathasaigh, Steven Matthews as well as MEP Grace O’Sullivan.
The statement said the deal offers funding for rural Ireland, €1.5billion for environmentally friendly farm practices, prioritises broadband and investment in renewable energy for rural areas as well as support for workers and regions most affected by the Covid-19 crisis.
This comes as a poll in yesterday’s Irish Mail on Sunday showed that three quarters of Green Party voters back the plan. In total, 74% of Green Party voters said they would back the party going into the new government.