Gormley defends Greens' performance in government

Green Party leader John Gormley has hit back at criticism of himself and his party by former Senator Deirdre de Burca, insisting her remarks are "entirely without foundation".

Ms de Burca resigned from the party and quit her Seanad seat today claiming the Green Party had abandoned its political integrity and become an extension of Fianna Fáil.

She also said she had lost confidence in leader John Gormley who she claimed was "either unwilling or unable" to stand up to Brian Cowen and Fianna Fáil.

This evening, Minister Gormley robustly defended his leadership and said: "We are united as a parliamentary party…We are united as a green party...The facts say we are doing a good job in government."