Green Party in court bid for leader debate rights

The Green Party has launched a High Court challenge against RTÉ over its failure to include the party’s leader, Eamon Ryan, in a party leaders’ debate to be broadcast on February 15.

The proceedings have been brought by Green Party trustee Tom Kivlehan, a former councillor with the party, who said the case was about “democracy” and the entitlement of the Irish people to hear the views of all parties.

Mr Ryan said the Greens are entitled to be represented in the leaders’ debate and RTÉ’s decision that only registered political parties with three elected TDs could participate is unlawful, unfair, and breaches democratic values.