Tensions within coalition dismissed

Eamon Ryan says he wants to 'build political consensus' for green policies

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said 'there is no arrogance in his party’s approach to Government'.

Government figures have moved to dismiss tensions within the coalition, after Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil candidates repeatedly attacked the Green Party in recent days.

Both Fine Gael’s Regina Doherty and Fianna Fáil's Lisa Chambers have taken aim at the junior coalition party, with the former accusing the Green Party of being arrogant and autocratic.

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said he “fundamentally” disagreed with Ms Doherty, saying there is no arrogance in his party’s approach to Government.

He said that he wanted to “build political consensus” for green policies, while saying that both Fine Gael and the European People’s Party (EPP) grouping could move to scupper the European Green Deal.

“Will the EPP, Fine Gael, will they go with the right in stopping the Green Deal — which there’s every sign that they might well do,” Mr Ryan said.

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“Or will we return Green MEPs and that be the key vote that might switch the balance in the European Parliament so that we stick with the European Green Deal.”

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe rejected outright any tensions, saying local authorities and the European Parliament are different forums to the Dáil.

“I think, therefore, it is absolutely understandable that candidates will lay out their views regarding who they will deal with or not deal with in other elected spaces.”

However, one Green source said that there had been a level of surprise within the party at how far Ms Doherty went with her commentary.

Elsewhere, both Labour and People Before Profit criticised independent candidates.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik said: “Far too many people it seems are thinking of voting independent because they're looking for change... a vote for an independent is often a vote for more of the same."

She cited the number of Independent TDs who supported the Government in recent no-confidence motions.

Labour’s Dublin candidate Aodhán Ó Riordáin said that independent candidates “say different things on different doors”.

“You don’t actually know where they stand on real, fundamental issues. They can be everybody to everybody and that isn’t consistent,” Mr Ó Ríordáin said.

People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy described some Independents as “sheep in wolves clothing”, saying that they are more akin to Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael politicians.