Neasa Hourigan, a TD for Dublin Central, has officially revealed her intentions to run for the deputy leadership of the Green Party. This puts her in a face-off with Ossian Smyth, the TD for Dún Laoghaire, who proclaimed his desire to run last week. Candidates interested in either the leadership or deputy leadership positions ought to have acquired 50 nominations from the party’s community by the closing date for nominations, 9pm on Monday. Hourigan confidently affirmed that she’s already gathered the needed endorsements.
The leadership aspirants, Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman and junior agriculture minister Pippa Hackett, managed to cross the 50-nomination barrier late the previous week.
In a recent message posted on social media platform X, Hourigan expressed her belief that Ireland is on the brink of a general election in the coming few months. She predicted that in the midst of these elections, the citizens will undoubtedly scrutinise the visions put forth by each political party for the future of the nation. She extolled the Green Party’s compelling plans, stating they inspire excitement and are absolutely implementable, and that they can enhance people’s lives and the environment, while addressing the climate crisis, improving the quality of life in urban, suburban, and rural regions.
She emphasised the Green Party seeks to secure the maximum number of votes and seats and is determined to prove the effectiveness of their policies. In the past, Hourigan experienced a hiccup in her political journey when she voted against the Government, leading to her suspension from the parliamentary party. However, she confirmed this suspension ends today and she aims to apply for membership again. Moving forward, she has declared her intentions to fully comply with party decisions.