Greens 'set sights on alternative government'
The Greens must form an essential part of any alternative government after the next general election, it was claimed today.
Greens chairman John Gormley said voters realise that the Coalition is bankrupt of ideas and that a vote for the Progressive Democrats was now a vote for Fianna Fáil.
The latest Red C poll from the Sunday Business Post published today puts the Greens at 6%, down 1% since the last poll in March.
“The party is currently working very hard on revising our policies and putting in place new structures in targeted constituencies to ensure we keep all of our existing seats,” said Mr Gormley.
“Our poll rating of 6% means we should have a very successful election.”
The Dublin South-East TD said the Greens had been very vocal in offering alternative proposals in the current energy crisis.
“The PDs now know that their marriage to Fianna Fáil may be coming to an end. In true opportunistic form they are now searching frantically for new partners. The electorate should beware,” he added.
The Red C poll, which quizzed 1,000 people across all constituencies, also showed that Fianna Fáil was suffering from the perceived ’rip-off’ culture on goods and services.
Just 32% of people surveyed said they would vote for the Coalition party, a 10-point drop which could result in a loss of 20 seats in a general election.
Support for the Taoiseach’s party has also dropped by five percentage points since March.
The poll also showed:
:: A Fine Gael-Labour coalition is now the clear preference of voters.
:: Almost nine voters in ten believe that ‘Rip-off Ireland’ is a reality on a daily basis
:: Three out of four voters blame the Government for high prices
:: Only half of voters say that they would find another Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition acceptable.
:: 62% would accept a Fine Gael-Labour coalition.
:: Mr Ahern is still the most trusted candidate as Taoiseach but Enda Kenny’s suitability for the job has jumped 12% to 31% since March 2004.
Party support was as follows: Fianna Fáil: 32% (down 5%); Fine Gael: 25% (up 3%); Labour: 13% (no change); Sinn Féin: 10% (up 1%); the Green Party 6% (down 1%) and the Progressive Democrats: 4% (up 1%).
Independents are at 10% (up 1%).
