Greens vow to get in the saddle

THE newly appointed Green Party ministers will be eager not to appear too reliant on typical gas-guzzling ministerial cars.

Traditionally, the vehicles of choice for ministers have been powerful Mercedes and Volvos.

The Office of Public Works has already invited bids from car companies and dealers to provide 18 new luxury vehicles for the new cabinet arrivals.

According to the OPW, the vehicles must have an automatic diesel engine of at least 2.4 litres and be four-door, executive class saloons, “suitable for the carriage of government ministers”.

However, the OPW may need to start looking for vehicles of the two-wheeled variety.

Newly appointed Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan said the Green ministers would be flexible on the vehicles; only using them where it was perceived as necessary.

“I would see myself cycling,” he said, though it was not clear where he would put the Garda driver.

When it was put to him that it would be a long way to Cork he said he would look to the train service.

“I will do whatever is practical. For me that is cycling and the train,” he concluded.