According to a former Cabinet minister, the “deeply underwhelming” government program is a clear reflection of the influence of the Regional Independents, reports Breaking News.
From 2020 until 2025, Roderic O’Gorman, the head of the Green Party, was the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth.
in a BreakingNews interview.For example, Mr. O’Gorman stated that the new government program is “deeply underwhelming” and that he thinks the influence of “right-wing” Regional Independent TDs is partially to blame.
“During the election campaign I raised my real concern that we would see a Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael government propped up by right-wing Independents, I said it on a number of occasions particularly in the last week [of campaigning]. That is exactly what has happened, you see it in the lack of ambition in the programme for government in a huge range of areas, whether it’s in the area of climate, childcare, supports for families… it is a deeply underwhelming programme for government,” reports Breaking News.
He also criticised the Social Democrats and Labour for passing up the opportunity to take power.
“I was clear, I believe the Greens didn’t have a mandate this time with only one TD, but both Labour and the Social Democrats were given a mandate and I think they should have gone into government. I think we showed over our four and a half years what a small party can do, what it can deliver. We’re very proud of our track record, we delivered almost everything we set out to in the programme for government in 2020. Small parties can have a real influence, and I was surprised at the speed at which both Labour and the Social Democrats kind of surrendered that opportunity,” reports Breaking News.
TheLiberal.ie won’t quit
Please support us with a small donation on PayPal!
“By them stepping back, right-wing forces have stepped forward. What’s the point in running if we don’t take the opportunity to make change? Progressive policies are nothing when they’re being shouted from the backbenches in opposition. Progressive policies only mean something when they’re being implemented. We showed that on climate, in the arts, in supports for families, in halving childcare costs,” reports Breaking News.
He cited last week’s announcement of further assistance for new parents as an illustration of what junior partners in government may do.
“The announcement that 4,000 families received the baby boost payment, that was something I got into the last budget as a progressive policy to support young families. That’s what you can do in government and I just don’t understand parties who aren’t willing to consider it, it is a risk and you can suffer from it, but ultimately politics has to be about changing laws not just saving your seat,” reports Breaking News.
Additionally, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has mentioned proposals for an LNG facility in Ireland, which Mr. O’Gorman voiced reservations about.
“I’m very worried about their plans on LNG, that’s something the Greens successfully blocked in our time in government and moved Ireland in the direction of using renewable energies, reports Breaking News.
Mr. O’Gorman was the lone TD to retain his seat in the most recent general election, meaning the Green Party will have a difficult time rebuilding after its best-ever performance of 12 TDs in 2020.
He did, however, say he is optimistic about the party’s future, reports Breaking News.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
