Former TDs should not contest Green leadership, says party founder

A founding member of the Irish Green Party said today that all six representives who failed to retain their seats should not stand for the leadership.

Christopher Fettes, who himself unsuccessfully ran for election in 1984 and 2002, also said that he did not believe that Party Chairman Dan Boyle would be suitable for the role.

The Green Party was decimated in the General Election - and members must now choose a leader after John Gormley announced yesterday that he is resigning.

Under the rules of the party, a new leader must be elected six months after a General Election.

"I think that of the people that have been 'in power' over the last few years, quite obviously those who were in the Cabinet, need to stand down," he told Midlands 103.

"Not because they have been wicked or anything, but they are symbolic of something, which probably won't help.

"I think that Dan Boyle, with all his tweeting, I think that he shouldn't be running."

When asked who he would back in a leadership contest, he stated: "I would say Niall Ó Brolcháin over in Galway."