Roderic O’Gorman, the Minister for Children and Integration, has declared his intention to run for the leadership of the Green Party, citing his 24-year membership and desire to lead a potent national party. Senator Pippa Hackett is also projected to throw her hat in the ring, prompted by the surprising departure of the former Green Party leader, Eamon Ryan.
Both politicians have garnered early support from their peers within the Green Party’s legislature. Senator Hackett, an undeclared but likely candidate, has won the endorsement of Senator Pauline O’Reilly and Junior Minister Ossian Smyth. Senator O’Reilly vocalized this alliance on Tuesday morning, advocating for Hackett, the sole contender from outside the capital city.
Arguing for a reequilibration of the party’s representation, O’Reilly took to Virgin television to emphasize the need for the party to better appreciate and address life beyond Dublin. In the same vein, Ossian Smyth has also extended his support to Hackett and expressed his aspiration to be named deputy leader.
In an interview with Morning Ireland, Mr Smyth reinforced his backing for Hackett, stating the party required a drastic change. He suggested that the appointment of a rural-based leader such as Hackett, who he characterised as a “beef and sheep farmer” from County Offaly, could attract rural voters. Smyth concluded that the party needs a novel approach.
Marc Ó Cathasaigh, an MP from Waterford, has given his support to Mr O’Gorman. He expressed that O’Gorman has an extensive understanding of the Party as he has filled different roles, ranging from being a councillor to chairing the National Executive and now operating as a top-ranking minister.
Ó Cathasaigh believes that in the efforts to overcome climate change and the depletion of biodiversity, it is crucial to incorporate principles of social fairness in all actions. He elaborated that this has consistently been prominent in O’Gorman’s political viewpoint.
The Green Party’s leader, Eamon Ryan, surprisingly announced his resignation on Monday, which was immediately followed by the deputy leader Catherine Martin, who also resigned and claimed she wouldn’t participate in the leadership race.
Ó Cathasaigh commended O’Gorman for demonstrating immense ethical bravery and guidance, bringing about significant results in areas not typically linked with the Green Party, such as the reduction of childcare fees by half.
Having personally gotten to know him during negotiations for the Government, he noticed his ability to understand the details while also being able to assert a firm stand. Both of these qualities will be crucial in the last phases of this coalition and also beyond the forthcoming general elections, according to Ó Cathasaigh.
O’Gorman is viewed by several colleagues to be the potential leader. The campaigns to fill the leadership position are set to begin on Wednesday morning. The decision will be determined by a one member, one vote process that invites more than 4,000 members, including those both in the Republic and north of the Border.
There is an expectation amongst some that the new leader will likely be chosen from Cabinet members of the Green Party.