Green Party members meet to discuss Budget fallout

Green Party members meeting in Dublin this afternoon expressed their anger at cutbacks unveiled in the Budget earlier this month.

The party's Ministers, TDs, Senators and Councillors gathered to discuss the education cuts and the medical card controversy.

Some Green councillors have been harshly critical of the party's continued support for the Budget, but leader John Gormley has insisted the Greens are in Government for the long haul.

Among the critical voices today was Clontarf Councillor Bronwyn Maher.

Ms Maher said: "I think it's really important that we say: 'What have we achieved? Do we want to continue propping up this government?"

"We're in a key position at the moment - the six votes we have in the Government are crucial for keeping the Government in power.

"We should start really showing our steal here - really demanding changes."