A lively and self-confident Green Party has kept its political options open by deciding at its annual conference in Cork to eschew any pre-election arrangement with other parties.
Instead, the leadership revisited its successful 2002 strategy by concentrating attention on specific policies where it promised to make a difference in government. That formula saw the party increase the number of its Dáil seats from two to six three years ago, and it would hope to add to its parliamentary strength on the next occasion.
It will not be easy. The Green Party lost both its seats in the European Parliament last year, and had disappointing results in the local elections when its candidates were squeezed by both Fine Gael and Sinn Féin. Poor promotional material and a muddled message were blamed for the outcome. On this occasion, the party is determined to project a clear vision of what it wishes to achieve. In that regard, it sees itself as a "party of government", making the implementation of policy the defining issue, rather than a choice between coalition partners. The only party it will not share power with is Sinn Féin.
Political flexibility and a less strident approach to complex issues have taken hold within the party as it draws on the experience in government of Green parties in Europe. For the first time, Irish Greens may not campaign against major constitutional change within the European Union, because of their unhappy experiences involving the "No to Nice" campaign. And, if they do, they plan to carefully manage their own operation.
For months past, the party has organised local seminars to brief members on the European Constitution. Rather than debate the matter at party conference, however, and risk distracting attention from its campaign for government, a special convention will be held next month to decide the issue. A recommendation is not expected from the parliamentary party.
Under the slogan "Green Means Business" speakers at the weekend conference sought to get the message across that sustainable development would have a positive, rather than a negative, impact on Irish society. Delegates discussed the need to control energy consumption; to deliver proper social services; to rebalance spending towards public transport; to improve building standards and to grow more organic foods. Childcare and health were also matters of central importance. The party has come a long way. But its members still struggle with an image of being worthy, rather than being politically competent. Their decision makes the offer of an alternative government less realistic for voters.