Green Party's sole TD Roderic O'Gorman to seek re-election as party leader

Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman said he had drafted a strategic plan to evaluate why the Greens lost votes across the country and how the party could 'build back support'. Picture: Gary Ashe

The Green Party is to hold a leadership election, almost five months on from a general election where it lost all but one of its seats.

Under the party’s constitution, it is required to hold a leadership election within six months of an election of a Taoiseach.

Incumbent leader and Dublin West TD Roderic O’Gorman confirmed that he would be seeking re-election.

“As the climate crisis worsens, the role of the Green Party as a strong voice for highlighting the environmental challenges we face, and bringing forward solutions that benefit everyone in Irish society is more important than ever,” he said.

“We had a really disappointing outcome in the general election, but since then, I’ve led the work to rebuild the party: being a strong voice for climate in the Dáil, appointing a new team of spokespersons to shadow Government ministers and drafting a new strategic plan for the party.”

He said the strategic plan would evaluate why the Greens lost votes across the country and how the party could “build back support”.

“We’ve a lot to do, but I’m absolutely committed to driving this forward over the next five years. I’m asking members for their nomination, so we can get going on this vital work,” he added.

The party’s only other Oireachtas member, Senator Malcolm Noonan, confirmed he would not contest the election and would be supporting Mr O’Gorman.

In a letter to party members, the Green Party’s returning officer set out the rules for the election process, which will include election of a new chairperson as well as leader.

For any candidate seeking the party leadership, they will be required to get 50 nominations from paid-up members of the Green Party.

For party chair, a candidate must receive 30 nominations.

The nominations for both positions are due to remain open until midday on April 30, while the voting process will not begin until May 7.

This process will last until May 14, and the new leader will be announced on May 16.

To vote in the election, Green Party members must have been in the party for more than six months.

The Greens will not hold an election for deputy leader, however, with incumbent Roisin Garvey to remain in place.

However, an election for deputy leader is expected in 2026.

Green Party sources have indicated Mr O’Gorman is likely to remain in place as party leader, but the party chair position is up for grabs for any interested councillors or members.

Councillor Hazel Chu said she expected Mr O’Gorman to remain as leader, saying “everyone is behind him”.