The leader of the Green Party, Roderic O’Gorman, has identified the upcoming by-elections as a critical opportunity to gauge the party’s rebuilding efforts following a significant electoral setback. In an interview with the Press Association, O’Gorman discussed the challenges faced by the party, particularly after the November 2024 general election, which reduced their representation in the Dail to just one seat—his own.
O’Gorman aims to revitalize the Green Party, which experienced a near wipeout similar to their 2011 collapse. He noted that while the party previously held a record twelve seats in 2020, the current situation presents an opportunity to learn from past mistakes. “It took us two terms of the Dail to rebuild between 2011 and 2020—I want to do that in one,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of his mission.
In assessing the current government, which includes his former coalition partners Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, O’Gorman expressed concerns about their approach to social policy and climate action. He criticized them for their reluctance to tackle pressing issues, claiming, “The Government has fulfilled all my predictions around being scared of tackling issues.”
O’Gorman highlighted the government’s decision to postpone critical infrastructure projects, such as the Finglas Luas and Dart+ South West, which he feels undermines public transport priorities. He warned of the consequences of rolling back environmental policies, stating, “I am worried that the Government will have moved us from moving towards success to moving back onto the direction of failure again.”
As the party undergoes a transformation, O’Gorman pointed out that they maintain a stronger foundation than in previous years. “We’ve got a voice in the Dail and the Seanad, we’ve got some state funding, and 23 strong councillors,” he noted. This infrastructure will be crucial as the party prepares for the by-elections, where they aim to boost their support in constituencies like Galway West and Dublin Central.
In light of recent changes in government portfolios, O’Gorman’s previous responsibilities as Minister of Integration have been reassigned to Jim O’Callaghan at the Department of Justice. O’Gorman expressed caution about O’Callaghan’s new policies, advising him not to misinterpret the drop in international protection applications as a direct result of his measures. “The current Government actually caught a break on international protection numbers,” O’Gorman remarked, emphasizing the need for a more proactive approach to accommodation reform.
Looking ahead, O’Gorman is focused on implementing a strategic plan that will enhance the party’s internal organization, improve fundraising, and sharpen electoral messaging. He identified former councillor Niall Murphy as their candidate for Galway West, while councillors Janet Horner and Feljin Jose are contenders for Dublin Central.
As the by-elections approach, O’Gorman has set clear goals for the party. “The first test is raising the vote on where it was in the general election in both constituencies,” he stated. He remains optimistic about the potential for regeneration within the party, saying, “Who knows what could happen on a good day for the party?”
The upcoming by-elections will serve as a vital benchmark for the Green Party’s efforts to recover from their recent electoral losses and reposition themselves within the political landscape of Ireland.
