Contest begins for new Green Party leader as Roderic O'Gorman confirms bid

Minister for Children and Integration Roderic O'Gorman has announced his bid to be the new leader of the Green Party.

The leadership contest for the Green Party is now underway, following Eamon Ryan's shock announcement on Tuesday, June 18, that he is stepping down as leader, and will not be contesting the next general election.

In an announcement in front of the Dáil yesterday afternoon, Minister Ryan said he was "stepping down to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders."

This was followed by a further shock announcement from the Greens deputy leader, and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin saying that she too would "step back" from her role.

So who's in the running now?

Roderic O'Gorman is the first to officially throw his hat in the ring for leader of the party.

The Dublin West TD announced his bid in a post on X this Wednesday morning, stating that the Green Party needs "someone with experience and commitment to move us forward".

I’m announcing my candidacy for leadership of the Green Party/Comhaontas Glas.

I am running for leader, after 24 years of Green Party membership, to build a party that can win across this country, and deliver on our ambitions.

I'm asking for your support at:… pic.twitter.com/qSWcTxFGVB

— Roderic O’Gorman TD (@rodericogorman) June 19, 2024

"I am running for leader, after 24 years of Green Party membership, to build a party that can win across this country, and deliver on our ambitions," he said.

In the statement also shared on his website, Mr O'Gorman cited his experience in eight elections as "councillor, TD and minister", and promised party members he would commit to "deliver policies that make a positive impact in people’s lives", a united party", and "a leadership that always listens, always engages, and values the hard work and dedication of every constituency group."

Senator Pippa Hackett has also been tipped for the role, as has TD Joe O'Brien, but neither have officially announced they will run.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, TD Ossian Smyth endorsed Senator Hackett, who is also the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, as leader.

He ruled himself out of running for leader, but put himself forward as her potential deputy leader

"If she is willing to run, I would like to run alongside her as deputy leader," Mr Smyth said.

He said Minister Hackett is a beef and sheep farmer from Co Offaly and would ensure that the party is clearly relevant outside of Dublin.

Green Senator Pauline O’Reilly also endorsed her Seanad colleague on Virgin Media’s Ireland AM show, saying it is important for the party to broaden its appeal outside Dublin.

All three previous leaders Trevor Sargent, John Gormley and Eamon Ryan have been TDs in Dublin constituencies.

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development Joe O'Brien, whos' from Cork but serves as TD for Dublin Finglas, has also been named as a possible candidate for the party leadership.

Under the Green Party constituition, any party member can contest the leadership if they have the support of 50 other party members, meaning in theory (but unlikely) the new party leader could be someone not serving in the Oireachtas.