Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael ‘marginalising’ Green Party, claims O'Gorman

By Cate McCurry, PA

Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman has accused Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of “marginalising” his party, in a bid to keep it out of the next government.

Mr O’Gorman said his sense is that both parties do not want a coalition partner that is as “robust and determined” to push for its manifesto goals as the Greens.

He made the comments in response to a report of a preference in Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to enter coalition with the Labour Party following the general election.

Speaking to reporters in Dublin, Mr O’Gorman said: “My sense is that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael maybe don’t want a coalition partner that is as robust, that is as determined and that is as focused on getting in through its key manifesto goals.

“I think that’s why there does seem to be a push to maybe marginalise us out of the next government.

“But if we want to focus on climate, we want to focus on supporting families, we want to focus on investment in public transport, we need the Green Party re-elected, and part of the next government.”

Mr O’Gorman said he acknowledges change in Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s approach to climate over the last four-and-a-half years.

But he said his party is always pushing for change in bringing in climate change measures.

“We’ve worked well with them on certain issues, but we are always the ones pushing. We are the ones driving the momentum,” he added.

“We’ve seen that there’s a limit to what Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will do on these issues, particularly when they wouldn’t support the very important, the very worthwhile investment in the climate and nature funds, that they vetoed at a recent Cabinet meeting.

“Cop (Conference of the Parties) is starting today. We were disappointed seeing Fianna Fáil and and Fine Gael both deciding not to attend. I know it’s the middle of an election campaign, but this is the biggest challenge that our humanity faces.

“I think it is so important that we have a clear focus on climate. It’s great to see a greater focus in this election campaign, on the issue going forward.

“But, ultimately, if we want to be bringing in those policies to support people, to support families, to make the changes they need to make in terms of climate, in terms of reducing emissions, you need the Green Party in the next government.”