Eamon Ryan profile: From 'Green wave' to covid controversies

During his 13-year leadership term, the Green Party leader has been no stranger to controversy

Green Party leader and Environment Minister Eamon Ryan at Government Buildings to announce he is stepping down as party leader. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

Eamon Ryan has taken the decision to step down as Green Party leader after holding the position for 13 years.

The decision is a serious move for Mr Ryan and questions are being raised about what the future holds for the long-time TD.

Having first been elected in 2002, he served in Dublin for nine years before losing his seat. He was re-elected in 2016.

Mr Ryan was appointed minister for communications, energy and natural resources by then-taoiseach Bertie Ahern. He resigned from the role in 2011 when the Green Party withdrew from government.

That was a busy year for Mr Ryan, as just four months later he contested the Green Party leadership and succeeded John Gormley in the role.

The party had no representation in the Oireachtas at the time but under Mr Ryan's leadership, the party flourished.

It was able to recover from the dismal election results in 2011 and by 2019, Mr Ryan was at the helm of the so-called 'green wave'. The party won 49 seats in the 2019 local elections, seeing its council representation jump by 37 seats. 

In February 2020, just before the pandemic hit, the Green Party won 10 extra seats in the general election, going from two seats to 12. After months of negotiations, he would lead the party into Government with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. 

As Green Party rules require a leadership contest within six months of an election, Mr Ryan faced a challenge from deputy leader Catherine Martin. There was a feeling the party could benefit from a newer and younger leader, but Mr Ryan narrowly held on to his position.

Controversial moments

During his 13-year leadership term, Mr Ryan has been no stranger to controversy, with his tenure marked by a number of controversial moments.

Amid the covid-19 pandemic, Mr Ryan called on people to plant vegetables in their south-facing window boxes in an effort to boost mental health and to tackle any supply crises that might occur.

"We'll have our salads ready to go," he told the sitting group of bemused TDs.

Last year, he spoke to the Irish Examiner about the “hurt” caused when he fell asleep during a Dáil session which was held at the Convention Centre during the pandemic. He said it was something he “deeply regretted”.

In 2019, Mr Ryan went viral after he called for the re-introduction of wolves in Ireland as they would prey on the deer population that was holding back forestry.

"Bring back a sense of wildness," he said before the idea was entirely rejected.

In another odd moment, Mr Ryan became an internet hit when he took part in the 2019 Dublin Pride Parade.

The Dundrum man was filmed soaking up the festival atmosphere, dancing through the city streets while barefoot and waving a pride flag.

He later explained his Birkenstocks were thwarting his moves and so had to be ditched in the name of dance.

In a less well-received moment, Mr Ryan was heavily criticised by the public and members of the Green Party when he used the N-word in the Dáil.

Mr Ryan made the comment when quoting a story about a man named Sean Gallan, in which he described the racism he had faced in Ireland.

The same day as the word was used, Mr Ryan issued an apology saying: "I repeated a racial slur and I was completely wrong to do so. I want to apologise for any hurt caused. I know this particular word should never be used."