Greens become all-island party

The Irish Green Party today agreed to merge with its sister party in Northern Ireland to create an all-island movement.

Party members in the Republic overwhelmingly passed a motion to remove obstacles in their constitution to allow the Northern Ireland Greens become a regional council.

Speaking after the special convention in Dublin, Green Party leader Trevor Sargent said the move endorsed the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement and its aims for a lasting peace.

Green Party of Northern Ireland leader Dr John Barry hailed the merger as “an historic and exciting development” and said it will help more members to get elected and contribute to the peace process.

The party only has one public representative – Cllr Raymond Blayney on Down District Council – but will run several candidates in the local elections in May.

Today’s decision also paves the way for Northern Ireland Greens to strengthen ties with sister parties in Scotland, England and Wales.