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.