Greens can't rule out withdrawal from Government

Environment Minister and Green Party leader John Gormley said today he cannot rule out a withdrawal from Government.

Mr Gormley said that if two-thirds of Green Party members vote against the programme for Government, his party would pull out of the coalition.

Minister Gormley says the recommendations of An Bord Snip Nua will also have to be considered by members at their convention this weekend.

The controversial proposals aim to cut Government spending by €5bn and have recommended widespread changes to education, health and social welfare.

Speaking in Dublin today, Minister Gormley said members will have to decide if they can accept the recommendations and if the party's grass roots are unhappy, they can make their feelings known.