Green councillor Hazel Chu has been elected as Deputy Leader of the Green Party.
Chu, a councillor for the Pembroke constituency, will now serve as Roderic O’Gorman’s deputy as the Greens continue their road to recovery.
Chu, who was first elected to Dublin City Council in 2019 and was re-elected in 2024, defeated Louth councillor Marianne Butler for the role of Deputy.
Chu’s local electoral performances – elected on the first count on both occasions – has not translated to higher office, with Chu notably being the Green candidate in Dublin Bay South in the 2024 general election which saw the party lose the Eamon Ryan seat to Social Democrat Eoin Hayes and an increased share of the vote for Labour leader Ivana Bacik.
Speaking after being named Deputy Leader, Chu said “members were clear: they want a Green Party that speaks plainly, organises relentlessly, and delivers real change, and my job now is to turn that mandate into momentum.”
Compared to their British counterparts, which are currently experiencing a surge in support thanks to charismatic leader Zack Polanski, the Irish Greens are in a period of transition following the 2024 election cycle which saw them lose their two European seats, 11 TDs and over half of their councillors.
Chu said, “the future of the Green Party is about rebuilding and reinvigorating, rooted in our values, serious about power, and focused on outcomes for people and the planet. We will be a party that sets the agenda, not one that reacts to it.”
The Pembroke councillor said, “this is the start of a new chapter. Climate action, nature restoration, social justice and an equal economy are not niche issues, they are the core priorities of modern politics. We are strongest when we act as one movement, sharing ideas, talent and ambition across borders.”
Chu won with 63.6% of the vote.
Party leader Roderic O’Gorman said, “I am really looking forward to working with Hazel in her role as new deputy leader.”
“She has huge experience through her many years of service on Dublin City Council and through the leadership roles she has previously held in the Green Party.”
“She will have an important role in rebuilding Green Party representation around the country, particularly as this government continues to ignore climate and environmental issues,” he said.