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One major problem with the Greens going into government in my opinion is that they have effectively been coopted by the government in regards climate change.
Despite the best efforts of Gormley, Ryan et al the current government's "green" policies will have little to no effect on Ireland's CO2 emissions. (improved building regulations but little on enforcement of those regulations; talk of CO3 reductions targets but no hope in sight of even approaching them and no binding legislation; practically no change in transport policy; only minimal attempts to tax high emissions cars) They will certainly fall far, far short of the levels required of all countries if we are to stave off the most calamitous effects of global climate change.
What is needed is strong pressure put on the main government party, Fianna Fail which is where political power really lies in this country.
I have noticed that many greens seem to talk less about the kind of campaigning and activism that is badly needed, possibly out of a misplaced faith in the abilities of their party to eventually persuade FF to change.
I have the utmost respect for the Green Party and believe the decision to go into government was made with the best of intentions. However it seems many Greens are now reluctant to challenge the government, and instead instinctively rush to defend it as they feel themselves under attack from all sides.
This seems to me an example of how the Greens have been co-opted by the establishment. A rift has been created between most greens and their former allies and so instead of playing the important role they could be playing in campaigns for action on climate change many seem content to try work within their party, some taking the view that the best way to help fight for climate change action is to support the Green Party when in fact what is really needed is pressure on the main political parties which have the bulk of political power in this country.
Just my two cents.
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