Greens call for ‘zero waste strategy’ for Northern Ireland

The Green Party, launching its manifesto for the Northern Assembly elections, has called for a "zero waste strategy" for Northern Ireland.

The Greens, which had one MLA in the outgoing Assembly, are running a candidate in each of the North's 18 six-seater constituencies.

Its Northern Ireland leader Steven Agnew pledged at the manifesto launch on Thursday to "bring about an end to the waste of money, time and opportunity at Stormont".

“People are rightly fed up with the lack of delivery by the five Executive parties in the last Northern Ireland government,” said Mr Agnew, who is hoping to hold his seat in North Down. He is also hoping the Greens can win at least three seats.

Mr Agnew said the Greens would focus on efficiency. “Our zero-waste strategy outlines the commitment the Green party will make. By taking a zero-waste approach to our economy, society and environment, we can make Northern Ireland a better place for us all to live.”

He said a “Green New Deal” home-energy efficiency scheme would create 15,000 jobs and tackle fuel poverty by reducing fuel bills. It would also cut carbon emissions.