Enda Kenny: Talks with Greens to secure votes to stay in government ‘very constructive’

Taoiseach Enda Kenny described his discussions with the Green Party as “very constructive”, in his efforts to secure sufficient votes in his bid to remain in government.

He categorically refused to discuss forming a coalition government with Fianna Fáil as he arrived for a two-day summit in Brussels.

Mr Kenny, now in the position of caretaker, will face a fresh vote in the Dáil on April 6 when he will be pitted against Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin. The party is not expected to make serious advances to Fianna Fáil until they have worked through the alternatives.

One of these is to form an alliance with the two Green Party TDs, a cohort of independents and the Labour Party — even though their former coalition partner has said they would not go into power again.

Mr Kenny met the two Green Party deputies, Eamon Ryan and Catherine Martin, in Dublin on Wednesday to discuss how they could cooperate.

amon Ryan

“Obviously, we talked about policy issues in as far as the Green Party is concerned. They want to talk ot their people on Monday,” the Taoiseach said.

Mr Ryan, a former minister in the Fianna Fáil-led government, lost his seat in the 2011 when his party was wiped out. He topped the poll to be first elected in Dublin Bay South this time round, to the surprise of many.

Mr Kenny, who has a guaranteed 50 votes from the TDs from his own party, will be looking for an additional 20 votes.

Asked about Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams’ difficulties with security at the White House in Washington during the traditional St Patrick’s Day celebrations, Mr Kenny said that everyone is treated the same going into the White House. “Security is absolutely stringent and that is as it should be.”

But on Mr Adams comparing his difficulties with that of civil rights activist Rosa Parks, the Taoiseach said, “Rosa Parks was an international icon, a woman of courage and bravery who made a real mark on history to its benefit”.