THE GREEN Party is open to the concept of a national government, party leader John Gormley has said.
However, the Minister for the Environment said it was not a realistic prospect as its Coalition partner, Fianna Fáil, and the Opposition parties opposed the idea.
However, Fine Gael and Labour strongly criticised his comments yesterday, describing them as a “complete red herring” and a vote of no confidence in his own Government.
Speaking on Newstalk’s Lunchtime programme, Mr Gormley said: “As far as the Green Party is concerned going back to the time of our first TD, Roger Garland, we have always said that we are open to the concept of national government. I don’t think it would be responsible for any party to say that this isn’t on the agenda. But realistically I know that Fianna Fáil are not particularly interested, nor are Fine Gael and Labour.”
Mr Gormley also argued that political parties needed to show solidarity at a time of financial difficulties when Ireland’s reputation was taking a “hammering”.
“When it comes to these financial difficulties, the Government and the Opposition are going to have to work together,” he said.
“To be totally honest with you, if I were in Opposition I would find it hard to resist that as well . . . to have the go and to cause what was last week, I suppose hysteria . . . on the banking issues [we need to] be aware that international markets are focused on Ireland now that our reputation is taking a hammering because of corporate greed and irresponsibility.”
A spokesman for the Greens said later that Mr Gormley has previously said he would rule nothing out for the welfare of the country and earlier this month called for a “national dialogue” involving all political interests.
However, the spokesman said that in the current climate, a government of national unity was not realistic. “All kinds of hurdles would have to be climbed. We are a long way from that juncture as yet,” he said.
A Fine Gael spokesman said the Greens had three options: to leave Government, to limp on or to call for a national government, which it was now doing in desperation.
“Enda Kenny has said that we need a new government to take the country in a new direction. The call for a national government by the Greens is a red herring,” said the party spokesman.
Labour said by calling for a national government, Mr Gormley was acknowledging that the Government cannot function.
“It seems an extraordinary statement. It’s a vote of no confidence in his own administration. We need a government that is free of association with the decisions of the past 10 years that caused this crisis,” said a spokesman.
The Green Party’s national conference in Wexford next month will debate two motions calling for a government of national unity. Both motions criticise the Coalition, particularly the influence of Fianna Fáil, and call for a grand coalition comprising all Dáil parties, including Sinn Féin.
