The Test of Green Party Conviction October 10th 2009

This weekend the Green party hold what many in the party believe is the most important meeting in the party's history. While not diminishing the importance of the convention I believe that the decision to go into government with Fianna Fail two years ago will be seen as the most defining moment in Green Party history. At that meeting the party membership voted overwhelmingly to enter into a coalition government with FF. 

This decision was taken with a certain knowledge and awareness of the ethics, morality, integrity and often delinquent behaviour of FF parliamentarians.

It must be absolutely clear from the past thirty years that FF as an institution cannot change, it is an illusion to believe that FF is capable of evolving as a political party and it will continue its reckless addict like behaviour until ultimately they can no longer continue. 

The harsh reality is that the public are largely responsible for this monster that we have created. You voted for and elected them not the greens, you supported this party despite the obvious reckless disregard for the costs of their actions to others as well as to themselves. For the green party it was obvious, the public wanted FF and there was no other way that the greens as a political party could implement their policies unless they entered government with FF.

The last general election was a turning point for me personally, despite all the revelations and evidence of incompetence and corruption by some office holders; despite the certainty that the policies pursued would de-stabilise our economy, the public voted from them for a third term in office. I realised then that perhaps its not FF but the public that will not change and so I supported the greens going into government.

The public may not like what they have now created, but the Green Party are attempting to bring the highest ethics and morality to office holders in Dail Eireann. They are attempting to change the face of government, to offer responsible political leadership at a time of international turmoil.

FF as a coalition partner have repeatedly shown themselves to be a toxic party to the misfortune of smaller parties. The ultimate issue this weekend for the greens in not debating NAMA or the programme for government but rather are the green party members capable of staying the course and implementing real change. 

The real test this Sat is do they believe they can still make a difference.