Sargent sets out Green election policies

Child-centred policies, community gardaí and renewable energy will be Green priorities in Government, it was claimed tonight.

Addressing 500 delegates at his biggest national conference, leader Trevor Sargent said the party was ready to sit at the Cabinet table after the general election.

The Dublin North TD said putting Greens in Government meant proper planning, warmer housing, energy efficiency, better public transport and job creation through renewable projects.

Ruling out any pre-election promises like tax cuts pledged by Labour or the Progressive Democrats, he added: "Ireland has been led down the road of auction politics before with disastrous consequences. The Green Party is about action politics, not auction politics."

The TD said in his leader's address in Salthill, Co Galway that the health services were failing to deliver.

"What we now have is a chaotic health system where profits come before people."

He added that a select few have become rich through speculation while others were left struggling to pay huge mortgages and many more cannot buy a home.

"A lack of proper planning has also cost us dearly, as our time and energy is wasted on gridlocked roads."

Outlining the party's New Deal for Children, Mr Sargent said Greens will put more gardaí in communities to ensure kids can walk or cycle to school.

It will also deliver medical cards for all children under six and bring class sizes down to 20 within five years.

Mr Sargent also promised to ensure the maximum level of paid parental leave and maternity benefit so that every parent in Ireland can enjoy the early years of their child's life.

"The Green Party will not just ensure legal protection for children. By providing basic services and by looking to the future, the Green Party will protect, promote and fulfil the human rights of every child in Ireland," he added.

He told delegates: "In 2007, the Irish people are realising that Green thinking is desirable, necessary and urgent. They're choosing Green in what they buy. They're choosing Green in how they spend their time. They're choosing Green in the ways they live, work, eat and travel.

"In the face of new challenges, the Green Party represents the most relevant; the most vital; and the most necessary political movement of our age.

Mr Sargent said choosing a Green Government means proper planning, warmer housing, energy efficiency, better public transport and job creation through renewable projects.

He said any new Government needed a Department of Energy or a Department of Innovation and Sustainability to plan for our energy requirements.

Within 10 years, the Green Party will ensure that every new house in this country will be designed and built as carbon neutral.

"Energy bills will be slashed. No more dodgy builders on my watch," he said.

Earlier, Mr Sargent said the Greens could return to the Dáil with 10 or more TDs after the general election.

He insisted he would not lead the party into a Fianna Fáil-led administration but would serve as minister.