Realism is the key to recovery - Rejuvenating the Greens

THE Green Party had six deputies in the last Dáil, including two cabinet members. Now the party does not have even one representatinve in the Oireachtas.

Like it or not, this means that environmental issues do not get the nuanced, forensic attention they might deserve. It seems obvious but unfortunate that more established parties are less animated by environmental issues than the Greens.

There are many reasons, ranging from apathy to anger, that there are no Greens in the Dáil or Seanad today. The primary one has to be that they propped up a malfunctioning, sleazy Fianna Fáil administration but some of their own policies alienated people who were, and are, very concerned about how we misuse the environment.

Though unconnected with the Green Party here, the leader of the British Green party Natalie Bennett, gave a perfect illustration of this disconnect yesterday when she said her party would consider banning all horse and greyhound racing should it have a role in the next UK government.

This is fantasy stuff and will alienate tens of thousands of potential supporters. If the Green Party hopes to return to active politics after the next election, then it might be wise to fine-comb its policies and set aside those that will alienate the moderate but environmentally aware voter. The Greens cannot afford to adopt extreme positions but we cannot afford another parliament without an active green conscience.