Greens in coalition - Credibility demanded a ‘yes’ vote

HAVING waited 25 years for a chance to play a role in government, the Green Party last night enthusiastically grasped the opportunity to enter coalition with Fianna Fáil, the PDs and Independents.

Effectively, this means Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will have a comfortable majority in the Dáil, leading his third administration in a row, equalling a record set by Eamon de Valera.

When the 30th Dáil convenes today, the Greens will begin the task of influencing the new government’s direction over the next five years.