THE GREEN Party intends to use its national conference this weekend to bolster its argument that embracing green technology presents the surest path out of the economic crisis facing Ireland.
The three-day conference will also be used to raise the profile of its two leading European Parliament candidates, Senators Deirdre de Búrca and Dan Boyle, as well as its local candidates.
In what are expected to be difficult elections for the junior Coalition party, the leadership will argue this weekend that the party has made a difference in government by convincing Fianna Fáil to embrace the green tech agenda and that it still retains its independence. This will be demonstrated by a high-profile debate, broadcast live on television, on a motion calling for a national government of unity to be formed.
However, the party is expected to struggle to maintain its current complement of 29 councillors or regain either of the two European seats it held in the Dublin and East constituencies.
Yesterday, Mr Boyle, the party chairman, said the party still expects to field a candidate in the East constituency.
The theme of the conference, to be held in Wexford, is Towards a Green new Deal. Party leader John Gormley is expected to address the issue of the recession in his leader’s speech on Saturday night and call for an economy that moves towards increased use of clean and green technology.
A motion tabled by the Dublin Mid West constituency of Paul Gogarty calls for a special conference to be convened next year debating the future of the party in government.
The party is expecting some 600 delegates.
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