Greens want ‘buffer period’ for ex-ministers

THE Green Party last night called for a code of conduct for politicians leaving office, after PD president Tom Parlon’s acceptance of a lucrative private sector job led to conflict of interest allegations.

Green Party TD Ciaran Cuffe called for a “buffer period” of 12 months, during which politicians could not take up private sector positions “relating to their previous area of responsibility”.

While not naming Mr Parlon directly, the statement was a clear indication of Green disquiet over his move into the private sector.