State minister, Pippa Hackett, has put her hat in the ring for the top job at the Green Party, asserting that she represents a new approach following Eamon Ryan’s exit as party leader – a sentiment expressed to Newstalk Radio. Government Minister for Children and Integration, Roderic O’Gorman, has thrown his hat in the ring as a candidate for the same post. His decision comes in the wake of the surprise resignation of Eamon Ryan.
O’Gorman’s bid for leadership comes with the mission to forge a party capable of winning nationwide and fulfilling its goals. Throughout 24 years as a member of the Green Party, two convictions have stood the test of time. First, for environmental issues to gain prominence in political debates and decision-making, a robust Green Party is necessary. Second, the Green Party always been multifaceted. It has relentlessly advocated for social justice and provided aid to the most vulnerable families.
“The policies we adopt have a tangible, positive impact on the lives of people,” O’Gorman argued, underlining his accomplishments during his tenure including halving child care costs, improving parental paid leave, addressing the gender pay gap, implementing ground-breaking domestic violence leave, and leading the humanitarian response for Ukrainian refugees.
Despite not fitting the mould of a typical Green Party member, Hackett spoke of her time as a farmer and a mother in rural Ireland, supplemented by her four years in Cabinet. The absence of a non-Dublin or female leader in the party’s history is a point she emphasises, contending that her diverse life experiences could make the Green Party more relevant and relatable.
When pressed on the most significant hurdles for the incoming leader, Hackett admitted that although the party had been effective at shaping policy, it wasn’t as accomplished in influencing people. Changing this narrative is a challenge she’s willing to undertake. She added, “Too many people are unjustifiably scared of Green policy. That’s not what we’re aiming for.”
“Ms Hackett conveyed that the party’s strategies must be complete, accessible and affordable for the common folk, and that would be her main concern,” she expressed. She also voiced her readiness to work diligently to strengthen relationships with different communities around Ireland, including the farming and rural communities, and businesses, to rebuild trust.
Ms Hackett’s leadership candidacy, which is currently unofficial but presumptively on the horizon, has received endorsement from two Green Party Oireachtas members. In a recent interview with Virgin Television, Senator Pauline O’Reilly stated her support for Ms Hackett. This sentiment was echoed by junior minister and Dún Laoghaire TD Ossian Smyth, who not only backed Ms Hackett but also nominated himself for Deputy Leader.
Ms O’Reilly stated the importance of candidates embracing roots outside of Dublin in order to bring balance to the party. “There is a view that the Green Party does not comprehend life outside Dublin, which is erroneous. However, this misconception must be tackled by empathizing with the concerns of the people in those areas” she added.
Mr Smyth, while voicing his support for Ms Hackett on Morning Ireland, expressed interest in the Deputy Leader role. “If Ms Hackett is open to leadership, I believe she is the right fit. Even though she hasn’t expressed her intent, I wish she considers running,” he shared. In his opinion, the party could see a drastic change and gain traction among rural voters with a leader from a rural background like Ms Hackett, who he addressed as a ‘beef and sheep farmer’ from Co Offaly. “Something totally different is needed,” he advocated.
In addition, Brian Leddin, Limerick City TD, mentioned that he would back Ms Hackett if she decided to run. He voiced concern about the party’s leadership always being from Dublin, reinforcing the narrative that the party is excessively focused on Dublin.
Marc Ó Cathasaigh, a Waterford TD, has expressed support for Mr O’Gorman, citing his comprehensive understanding of the Green Party from his vast experience in various roles including senior Minister. He praised Mr O’Gorman’s moral integrity, leadership, and successful implementation of changes not usually linked to the Green Party, such as the reduction of childcare costs by half.
Patrick Costello, Dublin South Central TD, also voiced his support for Mr O’Gorman, asserting that a Dublin-based leader has the potential to gain widespread support nationwide. He emphasized that the party’s success is not solely dependent on the leader but also significantly influenced by the quality of representatives across the country.
Michael Pidgeon, a Green Party councillor in Dublin city, echoed the support towards Mr O’Gorman, commending his principles, decency and experience.
Joe O’Brien, the Minister of State, backed Mr O’Gorman’s candidacy, applauding him for his thorough familiarity with the party on a national level, his past experiences in handling difficult challenges, and for being a senior minister in the Cabinet.
Donna Cooney from Clontarf and Honore Kamegni from Cork City also endorsed Mr O’Gorman, making the support tally for him ten out of 23 Green Party representatives returned from the Local Election.
On the other hand, Conor Dowling, a councillor in Blackrock, stated his support for Ms Hackett. He cited her impressive resume, background, and what she symbolises as potential game-changers for the party and Ireland, adding that she could be the catalyst needed to grow the party, secure more seats, and deliver significant contributions to environmental protection.
“Mr. Dowling emphasised the historical strength of the Greens in cities, while acknowledging the need to expand their influence into rural areas across Ireland. He believes that Pippa’s involvement will help in garnering a balanced representation and effective communication of the Green’s policies to a wider audience.
Steven Matthews, Wicklow TD, has expressed his support for Ms Hackett as the leader and Ossian Smyth as the deputy leader. Matthews praised Hackett’s rich experience in the Cabinet over the last four years, her base outside of Dublin, her relentless work ethic, and her innovative vision for a fresh start for the Green Party. Matthews further commented on Hackett’s robust negotiation skills, her ability to navigate current challenges, and her forward-thinking approach for successfully delivering public services like transport, energy security, large-scale retrofitting of homes, support for farming, and reductions in childcare expenses.
Supporters of Mr. O’Gorman include Dublin city councillors Feljin Jose, Janet Horner, and Ray Cunningham, along with Eva Elizabeth Dowling from Stillorgan and Marianne Butler from Louth.
In a surprising turn of events, Mr. Ryan announced his resignation from his position as Greens leader on Monday morning with deputy leader Catherine Martin also deciding to step down without competing for leadership. Ryan has stated that he will stay out of any biased discussions regarding potential future leaders on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne.
The future leader will be elected by a fair process of one member, one vote, with the decision leftist to the 4,000 plus members from the Republic and North of the Border. Some speculate that the new leader could potentially be chosen from existing members of the Green Party’s Cabinet.”