Irish economic growth must create ‘fair, sustainable society’

The Government has returned to boom and bust economics, according to Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, at the launch of his campaign to take a seat at the forthcoming general election.

Mr Ryan, who will contest the Dublin Bay South constituency, stressed the contribution green politics can make in the next Dáil in bringing about a fundamental shift in the economic and political order.

“We need our economy to be both competitive and collaborative if we are to address the inequality and insecurity we face. Our society must prepare for the long term changes and challenges that are taking place in the world,” said the Green leader.

He said economic growth should not be an end in itself but rather must work towards creating a fair, sustainable, and just society.

“We are delivering national policy that has a real effect locally. Policy that will deliver practical solutions in housing, transport, energy, food, and waste management, and improve the quality of all of our lives,” he said.

Mr Ryan said the country needed Green policies like public banking, which removed profit from the lending equation, and instead provides a social dividend to local communities.

“Or our vision for a revamped Irish Water, which puts conservation, fairness, and investment at the heart of the utility, and repealing the 8th amendment, an amendment which has proven to be a disaster for Irish families, will all have a real, positive affect on our society,” he said.

Mr Ryan said Greens aimed to make these changes a reality from the bottom up, and bring a peaceful, democratic and practical revolution to Ireland.

“I hope the public will join us on this grassroots campaign, as we look to return a team of Green voices to the Dáil,” he said.