New Greens not afraid to brave the elements

THE first real political points of a determined Green agenda were made yesterday when both of the party’s ministers braved driving rain to cycle into work.

Environment Minister John Gormley and Communications and Energy Minister Eamon Ryan arrived into their respective departments by bicycle for their first days of work. Their determination to use pedal power was almost thwarted by the appalling weather. There was incessant rain and some flooding in Dublin yesterday morning.

Arriving at his Department on Adelaide Road, Mr Ryan said he would use his bicycle as often as possible when minister. He said that it would be more than a gesture, such as that made by David Cameron in London. The Tory leader occasionally cycles to work with his official car following closely behind.

Mr Ryan said that both ministers intended to lead by example. He said that he has cycled for over 20 years and that his first involvement with politics had been though the Dublin Cycling Campaign.

He also pointed out that Dublin was a dryer city than Amsterdam with only eight very rainy days. Unluckily for him, yesterday happened to be one of them.

On another note, Mr Ryan said yesterday that as the parent of four young children he would not be available for some morning meetings, or at some periods over weekends. He said that as minister he would adhere to his party’s family-oriented philosophy.