O’Gorman and Hackett to face off for Green Party leadership

Green ministers Pippa Hackett and Roderic O'Gorman were the only two candidates to reach the threshold by the close of nominations.

Roderic O’Gorman and Pippa Hackett are set to face each other for the leadership of the Green Party, as nominations formally closed on Monday night.

The two Green Party ministers were the only two candidates to reach the threshold of 50 members supporting their candidature.

Voting for the new leader is due to take place online between Thursday, July 4, and Sunday, July 7. The final results are due to be announced on Monday, July 8.

Two sets of hustings are due to take place between the two candidates, with the first taking place in-person at Trinity College Dublin on Thursday. 

A second hustings will take place on Sunday, but will be held online from 3pm.

Pippa Hackett and Roderic O'Gorman will take part in two sets of hustings. Picture: PA

Speaking ahead of Cabinet on Tuesday, the minister for integration said he was pleased to be on the ballot for the Green Party leadership. Mr O'Gorman said that he had received over 100 nominations from the party members.

“I’ve had the opportunity to speak to a lot of party members over the last couple of days and it’s great to hear their views in terms of what happens next within the party, what our priorities, what are focuses should be,” he said.

Nominations for the deputy leader position are yet to close, with three candidates currently seeking election. This includes Dublin Central TD Neasa Hourigan, Dún Laoghaire TD Ossian Smyth, and senator Róisín Garvey.

The leadership contest within the Green Party follows the resignation of Eamon Ryan last week, with the Dublin Bay South TD due to stand down at the next general election.