O’Gorman re-elected as Green leader

IN a widely expected move, Roderic O’Gorman has been re-elected as leader of the Green Party.

O’Gorman was the only Green to hold onto their Dáil seat in last November’s general election and led the party since last July.

Under Green Party rules, leadership elections must happen within six months of a general election. 

O’Gorman said he was “honoured” to be returned as leader, and acknowledged that the party had a “difficult” election last year. 

“Our party had a difficult election last year, but we continue to be a strong voice for climate action, for supporting families and for equality,” he said.

The Dublin West TD said that the party has developed a strategic plan to examine how and why the party lost support in last year’s local and European elections, which led to the resignation of Eamon Ryan and Catherine Martin as leader and deputy leader, and November’s general election near wipe-out.

The Green Wave in 2020 made way for a Red Tide and Purple Rain, as Labour and the Social Democrats hoovered up the progressive vote that powered the Greens in 2019 and 2020.

North Inner City councillor Janet Horner has been named as the party’s new Cathaoirleach, with Horner winning re-election in last year’s local elections and was recently named as the party spokesperson on foreign affairs, trade and defence.

O’Gorman said, “Janet is a proven election winner and a leader in her community in the north city centre. I look forward to working with her in rebuilding Green Party representation all over the country.”

 Horner said, “I am really honoured to have the opportunity to serve as chair of the Green Party. I am grateful to my colleagues who nominated, encouraged and supported me in going forward for the role. I don’t take on the role lightly – I know we have a huge amount of work ahead of us.”

“The climate crisis and the interconnected issues of social justice, equality and inclusion are growing ever more urgent, and the Green Party are uniquely positioned to bring political solutions to the table for these,” she stated.

 Horner noted that the next couple of years will be focused on building and strengthening party membership and preparing the party for the next round of local, European and national elections in 2029. 

She said she looks to deliver “meaningful solution-focused political change” and is “really looking forward to working with our members across Ireland on this.”