Greens in government show they can punch above their weight

IN his letter (October 11), David Marlborough attacks John Gormley personally for everything that he seems to think is wrong in government, including the M3/Tara route, Shell in Mayo, Shannon rendition flights, incinerators and exploitation of natural resources.

Mr Marlborough says this is calling a spade a spade.

But surely anyone looking to talk spades would realise it is fantasy to think that having six seats in a Government that controls more than 86 seats is going to change the world overnight — and that includes many things that were cast in stone before the Greens even entered government.

Mr Marlborough needs to read the programme for government that was overwhelming accepted by 86% of Green party members.

This document was freely and transparently distributed.

He can see that progress has been made already on many of the items in it, including real energy conservation in building standards, a greater share of the State’s energy assets for the people/taxpayers, extra protection of monuments on the already-fixed M3 route, as well as other food and environmental issues. And this after such a short period in office.

As for‘ Bertigate’, what is the point of having tribunals if we are expected to have a lynching before the verdict is returned? If Mr Marlborough thinks he can change the world overnight with such a small presence in government, then he should stand himself at the next election, explain how he would do it, and let the people decide.

Meantime I’ll settle for some Green party influence in power rather than none at all.

Andrew Doyle

‘Clifden’

Lehenagh

Lislevane

Bandon

Co Cork