GREEN STALK
Deputy ‘considers’ bid to oust Ryan from the party leadership
THE Green Party’s deputy leader is “seriously considering” taking on her boss Eamon Ryan for the top job.
Catherine Martin said she is mulling over the idea after receiving a letter from four of the party’s councillors this week urging her to make a push to topple Mr Ryan.
She released a statement on Twitter last night saying she is concentrating on government formation negotiations for now.
It read: “Thank you to the Green Party members who have asked me to step up and contest the upcoming leadership election.
“Members and their volunteerism are, as we know, the lifeblood and democratic heartbeat of our party and I will therefore give this serious consideration over the coming number of days.
“However, my focus remains on the crucial government formation talks.
DIRECTION
“In the event of a leadership contest arising, I believe it is important that government formation talks fully conclude uninterrupted and that any leadership campaign happens subsequently.
“In the meantime, I will continue to give my all to leading these negotiations while also listening to our membership about the future direction of our party and my role in it.”
Ms Martin is currently leading the Greens team in the talks with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael about forming a coalition.
But she will have to make a decision soon as any challengers to Mr Ryan must have their nomination papers lodged by June 7. Nominations open next Tuesday.
Ballots will be sent to members at the beginning of July, with returns to be made by July 22. They will be counted the next day.
Ms Martin would have no problem getting the necessary signatures to allow her to run in any leadership contest as she has widespread support within the party.
So too, however, has Mr Ryan who has just led the
Greens to their most successful
General Election result ever, winning 12 seats. The four Cork City and County councillors who wrote the letter to Ms Martin saying they want a change in leadership were Lorna Bogue, Oliver Moran, Colette Finn and Liam Quaide
They said: “In February, Ireland voted for change.
“We believe with your style of leadership, your convictions and your work ethic, you are the right person to lead the Green Party. Regardless of the outcome of these [government formation] talks, we will need a leader who we trust to do the right thing for the country and the party.
“Whether we enter government or not, we believe the party needs a new leader, someone who will fight hard for all of our futures.
“We urge you to put yourself forward as a candidate for the leadership of the Green Party.
“You have our support.”