The step-down of Eamon Ryan from his role as the leader of the Green Party has thrown Irish politics into an unexpected turmoil. It presents immediate challenges for his party, and inevitably signals the final stages of the current Government’s regime. This situation further illustrates the complexities involved in enforcing vital climate change strategies.
Despite the heavy loss that the Green Party faced in European and local elections, there’s no evidence to suggest that these outcomes imposed immediate pressure on Ryan. On the contrary, Ryan’s decision to resign as leader and not contest in the ensuing general election has left the Green Party in a state of vulnerability. As a seasoned politician and minister who has represented the party for over a decade, Ryan’s absence is notable.
This, at various instances, has made Ryan a magnet for criticism from adversaries of Green Party’s policies. His resignation might be an attempt to lessen the antipathy for the Green Party among certain constituencies. Ryan stated that his stepping down was motivated by personal factors. However, personal and political matters are hardly ever detached. Catherine Martin’s choice to not nominate herself as a leader and her withdrawal as deputy leader further compounds the ambiguity that the party is confronting.
When Ryan assumed the mantle of Green Party leader in 2011 after John Gormley, the party had no Dáil representation following a ghastly stint in the Government marred by the financial crash, bailout and widely disliked austerity measures. Ryan’s most commendable feat was resurrecting the party, bringing about its most successful election in 2020 and steering it back into the Government. This was achieved by negotiating a deal that involved substantial, legally-bound climate actions.
Ryan, and indeed his successor, is confronted with the paradox that while most voters conceptually approve of eco-friendly policies, they often disapprove of the practical implementation. This was demonstrated across Europe when the green momentum of the previous elections five years ago markedly subsided in the recent election. That climate change strategies have become part of larger ‘cultural conflicts’ is unfortunate, yet green politicians must face this reality. The ratification of the EU Nature Restoration Law on Monday is an essential win even though its implementation poses substantial challenges. Domestically as well, the progression of the green agenda has been moderate, rather than at the desired pace.
The exit of Ryan, closely succeeding Leo Varadkar’s departure a short while ago, is bound to induce a degree of ambiguity within the Government. A certain level of strain between the Green Party and the more substantial parties was notable during the last electoral race, yet this was arguably unavoidable. The succeeding events will see a new leader of the Green Party, which will invariably alter the dynamic within the Coalition. The political landscape is now tinged with a fresh level of unforeseeability.