First 100 days in power positive, say Greens

THE Green Party yesterday insisted its first 100 days in government had been positive, despite being perceived to have compromised on a number of key issues.

Party leader John Gormley has attracted the most flak to date because of his high-profile position as Environment Minister.

He has said his hands are tied regarding the proposed routing of the M3 through Tara, despite the fact the Greens have always opposed it. He has also been forced into silence over the proposed incinerator at Ringsend in his own Dublin South-East constituency, despite being a vocal opponent of the project prior to entering government.

But at a Green Party “think-in” in Co Wicklow yesterday, Mr Gormley insisted their time in government to date had been “positive”.

Yesterday marked the first 100 days of the new coalition, and Mr Gormley said that, because of the speed and other circumstances surrounding the Greens’ decision to enter government, the party had not “done itself justice explaining the situation to members and the wider public”.

“The reality is that the negotiators cut a very good deal and just 100 days later the Green Party has already shown leadership on crucial issues which affect all our futures.”