Leaders committed to serving out ‘full term’ in Government

The leaders of the country have said they are committed to seeing out the full term in government. Speaking in Clones last week, both An Taoiseach Simon Harris and the Tánaiste Michael Martin insisted there will be no snap General Election despite a leadership contest within the Green Party and multiple by-elections in the offing.

The Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil heads were in Clones for the opening of the latest phase of the Ulster Canal Project.

An Taoiseach wished Minister for the Environment, Eamon Ryan, well in the future, following his decision to step down as Green Party leader for personal reasons. “He is a politician of real substance and has made a lasting impact on Ireland,” said Harris by way of tribute.

Quizzed on whether the instability might trigger a General Election, the Taoiseach said that the Programme for Government was “hard negotiated” between the three parties involved.

“My commitment as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael, and I believe the commitment for all parties in government now is to keep getting on with business. I don’t think it in any way alters the thinking or the timing of the next General Election.”

He doesn’t believe the disruption cause by Minister Ryan stepping back will impact progress from a legislative standpoint either.

The Taoiseach wants to see issues around national broadcaster RTÉ resolved before the summer recess. And, with regard to the controversial hate speech Bill, Harris states: “It’s important to get the law right.”

Amendments are expected from the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, due before cabinet “shortly”, he said.

“I’d like to see clarity brought as quickly as possible to that situation too.”

He was backed up in his comments on government staying the course by the Tánaiste who said himself that Minister Ryan has made a “lasting impact” on Irish politics.

“It’s the Programme for Government that remains the touchstone for the three parties. Not the personalities in terms of who leads.”

He said leadership contests have happened already and hadn’t “destabilised” the government.

Minister of State Malcolm Noonan who was also present in Clones stood against Minister Ryan in the Green leadership contest 13 years ago.

He acknowledged how the outgoing leader had managed to lead his party “out of the wilderness”.

“I think in many decades to come the people of Ireland will see the contribution Eamon Ryan has made to public life,” reflected Deputy Noonan who has backed current Minister for Children, Roderic O’Gorman, in the race for new leader.

Regardless of who wins, Deputy Noonan states it will be “useful” for the Greens to have a discussion around and where they see themselves “strategically” heading into the next election.

“We always want to be in government. The only way we can implement any of our policies is by being in government. We’re never afraid to do that.”

When asked about the perception of an rural-urban divide against which the Greens are often shuttered, Deputy Noonan replied: “We certainly have a role to play in rural issues, that’s my own background as well.

“Critically, we do need to use this period of electing a new leader to have a focus and a think about the messaging of the party. I think that’s hugely important.

“We’ve done huge amounts for rural Ireland, in terms of rural broadband, local transport. Eamon Ryan has led on that. It’s getting that message out.”