In the leadup to this year’s elections, the leader of the Green Party, Eamon Ryan, has cautioned against the lure of “simple, deceitful guarantees”. Despite not specifically criticising his coalition government allies, his remarks follow indications from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil of a broad suite of spending initiatives for the forthcoming budget.
Speaking at the Green Party’s annual assembly in Dublin, Mr Ryan voiced concerns of impulsively making too many promises prior to the October budget. He expressed doubts on voters being influenced or won over by such tempting but misleading promises made in April regarding the October outcomes, although he clarified that his remarks weren’t aimed at anyone in particular.
A “cordial” discussion was also held with Tánaiste Micheál Martin, the leader of Fianna Fáil, regarding some comments made by him and others during the previous week’s Fianna Fáil ardfheis. Despite assumptions, Mr Ryan refuted claims of a “rebuke” and emphasised that the Green Party isn’t known to chastise.
With regard to securing victory in the June 7th election, he was sceptical about the impact of promises of tax cuts or similar pledges made for the upcoming October budget. Acknowledging the importance of people positioning their political stands, he maintains a cordial relationship with his government peers and emphasises the need to exercise caution with promises, given the responsibility to deliver on them.
Mr Ryan further commented on the political challenge of making promises in April for an October budget. He highlighted that various colleagues were making numerous promises, portraying a range of confirmed budget pledges, particularly following the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil ardfheiseanna.
Addressing the convention, Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman revealed the government’s consideration to pass a bill proposed by Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne prohibiting demonstrations outside people’s residences. This announcement comes after O’Gorman’s house was targeted by a protest attended by masked protestors the past Friday.
Mr O’Gorman emphasised the necessity for a balanced approach, ensuring politicians remained approachable to the public while providing safety for those politically engaged. Known for his critiques of Sinn Féin in his address to Green Party members, he affirmed that highlighting sudden and dramatic shifts from the opposition was fair.
Mr Ryan anticipates that the contentious hate speech laws will pass through the Government. He confirmed the party would reserve judgement on suggested alterations from the Justice Department, but was in support of the bill’s passing.
Minister for Arts and Media, Catherine Martin, assured the decision on a change of funding model for RTÉ would be finalised. Asserting past governments’ failures to settle on a solution for public service broadcasting she added. Two external analyses carried out by experienced consultants on issues of culture, governance and other RTÉ concerns are presently undergoing verification. Once concluded she committed to forwarding a suggestion for the funding model to the Government.
Dublin’s Green Party MEP, Ciarán Cuffe, outlined his opposition to proposals by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the instatement of a defence commissioner post forthcoming European elections.
Mr Ryan noted that direct interaction with real people varies greatly from online criticism and opinion about the Green Party. He forecasted a Green Party victory in The Kerry constituency stating in regards to the Healy-Raes “it’s going to be quite the surprise when the Kingdom goes green.”