Eamon Ryan, the current Green Party leader, has publicised his decision to renounce his position and refrain from participation in the subsequent election. The unplanned declaration came following the Cabinet conference, around 1pm at Government Buildings.
As Transport Minister, Ryan stated serving the public has been a complete honour as he reflects on his almost 3-decade long service. Until a new leader is chosen, he asserted that he would continue holding his roles both as party leader and minister’s role.
He expressed his intentions of stepping down in an effort to hand over the reins to a new era of leadership within the party and herald in fresh leadership. Ryan acknowledged that the political landscape had grown too arduous and “divisive”, often marked by repugnant assaults over social networking platforms.
With a focus on devoting more time to his family, Ryan gave special recognition to his wife, Victoria White, his children, and specifically mentioned his son Tommy, who features additional needs. The long and challenging hours associated with public representation were a hindering factor in his decision, as he felt his domestic duties also needed his service.
Ryan reported that he had reached this decision several months prior and affirmed he had no intentions of running in upcoming general elections due to familial obligations. While he expressed a desire to serve in the next general election, his other commitments, particularly at home, prevented him from doing so.
According to Ryan, he would consent to serve in any capacity, a decision that he leaves to the new party leader’s discretion. Affirming that his circumstances have been apparent for several years, Ryan is proud of the strides made by the Government in the last quadrennial. He claimed that the country is on track to a more sustainable future, with advancements noticed in public transportation, renewable energy, and natural habitats.
The Green Party did suffer a blow in the recent local and European elections, resulting in the loss of more than half its council seats and both seats in the European Parliament.
After the departure of Leo Varadkar in April, the second coalition party head, Mr Ryan, has stepped down this year. The Green Party’s deputy leader, Catherine Martin, is anticipated to be the next in line for replacement. She was in competition with Mr Ryan for the party’s leadership in 2020 when the coalition was being assembled.
Mr Ryan was first appointed to the Dáil in 2002 and has represented Dublin Bay South as a TD since 2016. From 2011 onwards, he has been at the helm of the Green Party. Amid the party’s most impressive election outcome, Ryan guided his party back to government in 2020. He dedicated a significant part of the past ten years to restoring the Green Party after the devastating loss of all its seats following the post-2011 economic crash, a period during which they had partnered with Fianna Fáil for a turbulent four years.
Mr Ryan’s departure comes during the final stages of the Coalition’s tenure, as preparations for a mandatory general election before next March get underway, although many predict it will occur sooner. The prospect of an autumn election has gained momentum following Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s moderately successful performance in recent local and European elections.