The Green Party leader, Trevor Sargent, has said he would step down rather than lead the party into coalition with Fianna Fáil after the next general election. But he said he would not rule out serving as a minister in a possible FF/Green coalition.
Speaking on TV3's Political Party programme last night, Mr Sargent said he would not be comfortable about going into government with Fianna Fáil, and would not lead the Greens into such a coalition.
"I've said 'no' and that really is my belief based on what I think is going to be the reality. I don't think it's going to come to that to be quite honest." When asked by interviewer Ursula Halligan if he would step down and let somebody else lead the party if the only chance of the Greens getting into government next time was with Fianna Fáil, he replied: "That's right."
Mr Sargent said the Green Party is made up of some very talented people and "it doesn't necessarily mean that I need to be leader of the Green party".
He added: "In fact I have to get my seat back so it's very premature to even be talking about being a TD, never mind being a leader. I believe this Government needs a change of government and the Green Party has voted in its ardfheis that the country needs a change of government as well."
In relation to serving as a minister in a future FF/Green coalition, Mr Sargent said: "Well, that would be for the leader at the time to decide." He said he would do whatever is in the best interests of the country. Mr Sargent said the Green Party is independent of all other parties and has not made any pre-election arrangements. "That is something I entirely respect, but when it comes to the next election I hope the people will realise that there is a need for change and that change is between green and non-green policies."
He said he saw other parties still not able to come to terms with the type of changes that are needed in society. He said Fianna Fáil is closely wedded to so many vested interests "and of course the Galway Races and the tent are very iconic in that whole tradition of being very closely linked into the construction industry, for example."
Last night the Green Party TD for Dublin South, Éamon Ryan, said Mr Sargent did not say anything he hasn't said before. Mr Ryan said in his view Mr Sargent is a good leader and the party is doing very well under his leadership. "We work as a team and our focus is getting the Greens into government. And hopefully in a government without Fianna Fail."
Meanwhile, also on Political Party, former unsuccessful Fine Gael candidate Lord Henry Mount Charles expressed strong reservations about Enda Kenny's style of leadership and described the Opposition as "somewhat dire".
He said: "Fine Gael has laid a great deal of emphasis on Enda Kenny - the poster boy of Fine Gael - and I think they have made a mistake."