Sargent’s new wheels easy on gas and money

LIFTING the bonnet of his new eco-car yesterday, outgoing Green Party leader Trevor Sargent stressed his slick black motor was one of the less-offending gas guzzlers on Irish roads.

The Minister of State for Food explained his Toyota Prius had an electric and petrol engine, making it more environmentally friendly.

Mr Sargent was handed his keys by party colleague and former Galway Mayor Cllr Niall Ó Brolcháin.

The car was sold on an internet auction site for about €23,000 while another €7,000 was donated to charities from the buy.

“I am glad the sale of this car is minimising the impact of CO2 emissions on the environment and is helping 15 charities picked by Cllr Ó Brolcháin at this year’s Mayoral Ball,” said Mr Sargent.

Junior ministers, unlike senior ones, purchase their own vehicles. The Green Party is examining whether to use Toyota Prius cars for its other two ministers as well.

Other environmentally friendly models are being reviewed and a decision will be made in the coming weeks, a party spokeswoman said yesterday.

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan confirmed he wants a car with the lowest emissions available.

Mr Ó Brolcháin said the Prius is not only good for the atmosphere: it also saves the driver money.