The race for the Green Party leadership is hotting up after Eamon Ryan yesterday announced his resignation.
In a speech outside Government Buildings yesterday afternoon, Minister Ryan confirmed he planned to bring down the curtain on his 30-year career in Irish Government politics.
He said he wished to spend more time with his family and planned to “pass the torch to a new generation of leaders”.
Just hours later, the race to replace him was blown wide open after the party’s Deputy Leader Catherine Martin ruled herself out of the running.
I’m announcing my candidacy for leadership of the Green Party/Comhaontas Glas.
I am running for leader, after 24 years of Green Party membership, to build a party that can win across this country, and deliver on our ambitions.
I'm asking for your support at:… pic.twitter.com/qSWcTxFGVB
— Roderic O’Gorman TD (@rodericogorman) June 19, 2024
First out of the blocks was Integration Minister Roderic O'Gorman who posted a video on X this morning seeking nominations to contest the Green Party leadership.
"I am running for leader, after 24 years of Green Party membership, to build a party that can win across this country, and deliver on our ambitions," he said.
Minister Pippa Hackett. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ieThis morning, Super Junior Minister Pippa Hackett also emerged as an early frontrunner.
The Offaly-based senator, who would be the party’s first leader from outside Dublin if successful, has received the backing of party chair Pauline O’Reilly.
In a tweet ruling herself out, Senator O’Reilly described Minister Hackett as a “bundle of energy and intellect”.
I believe we need a fresh injection of green passion and for me that is what Minister Pippa Hackett brings. She is a bundle of energy and intellect, and understands what it is like to listen to all voices and to stand up for a sustainable future @pippa_hackett https://t.co/Uar5h1siQo
— Senator Pauline O'Reilly (@paulinegalway) June 19, 2024
Minister of State Ossian Smyth also backed Minister Hackett this morning and ruled himself out of contention.
It is understood that Dublin Central TD Neasa Hourigan, who is currently suspended from the Green Party for voting against the Government, is not planning to put herself forward.
Wicklow TD Steven Matthews and Senator Vincent P Martin could be in with an outside chance but neither has commented on the race as yet.
Minister Roderic O'Gorman outside Government Buildings briefing the media, 23-5-23. Image: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ieOn Newstalk Breakfast, junior green minister Malcolm Noonan ruled himself out as leader and said it was a tough job.
“There's not much glamour attached to being a party leader," he said.
“There's a lot of traipsing around the country, trying to support local groups, trying to animate members, getting involved in campaigns, so it’s not for me.
“But again, I'm just looking forward to a good election campaign and to seeing what emerges and having a debate to recalibrate our party.”
Green Party candidates
The Carlow Kilkenny TD refused to back a particular candidate.
“I'm going to wait and see who puts their names forward and then we’ll listen to what vision each candidate outlines for the party,” he said.
“I think that's hugely important for me just to hear that articulation of where they see the party heading into the next election.”
According to Green Party rules, if a party leader resigns, the Executive Committee must call an internal ballot.
The newly elected leader will serve until after the next general election, at which point another leadership contest must be held within six months,
Main image: Roderic O’Gorman, Claire Byrne, Catherine Martin, Eamon Ryan, Pippa Hackett. Image: Photograph: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie
