The Green Party: 25 Years a Growin'

[Gombeen]

For those of you who don't know, the Green Party(or the Ecology Party as it was originally called) is 25 years old this year. What are people's opinions of the nature of it's growth in Ireland within the last quarter century? What's changed in Irish politics between now and then? How have the Greens themselves changed?

(Please note that this is meant to be a discussion of the Green from 1981-the present and not necessarily a discussion of just a current snapshot of the Greens in 2006. So please try to maintain discussion within that context.)

[Coles]

Not much has changed for the Greens unfortunately. While most people wish them well, the party remains politically inept, and unable to affect a change in policy.

[joemomma]

Not much has changed for the Greens unfortunately. While most people wish them well, the party remains politically inept, and unable to affect a change in policy.

So Irish environmental policy is the same now as it was in 1981?

[Pidge]

Not much has changed for the Greens unfortunately. While most people wish them well, the party remains politically inept, and unable to affect a change in policy.

So Irish environmental policy is the same now as it was in 1981?

No, of course not, whether or not that is down to the Greens is difficult to say.

I'd certainly like to think that their growth in recent years is down to better PR, politics on their part, along with an increasing public awareness of ... well, you know what I'm going to say, all the usual predictable stuff.

[joemomma]

No, of course not, whether or not that is down to the Greens is difficult to say.

Similarly, it would be hard to say that it had nothing to do with the Greens, which is what Coles suggests.

[Coles]

Not much has changed for the Greens unfortunately. While most people wish them well, the party remains politically inept, and unable to affect a change in policy.

So Irish environmental policy is the same now as it was in 1981?

Policy?!! What policy? Three times more cars, The collapse of Fisheries/the decline of the salmon to the point of extinction, GM crops being trialed, the decline of agriculture, polluted rivers and aquatic systems, incineration/dioxins, almost no public transport, etc etc...
Enviromental policy does not exist. The right of vested interests to maximize profits decides 'policy'.

...what about the plastic bags?

bullsh!t. window dressing.

[jady88]

I love the Green Party apart from some Green economic policies but I think ultimately they are very important for the future of Irish politics.

[Pidge]

No, of course not, whether or not that is down to the Greens is difficult to say.

Similarly, it would be hard to say that it had nothing to do with the Greens, which is what Coles suggests.

Ah, good point.

[Coles]

No, of course not, whether or not that is down to the Greens is difficult to say.

Similarly, it would be hard to say that it had nothing to do with the Greens, which is what Coles suggests.

Ah, good point.

What f**kin' point!!!

[supamolli]

No, of course not, whether or not that is down to the Greens is difficult to say.

Similarly, it would be hard to say that it had nothing to do with the Greens, which is what Coles suggests.

Ah, good point.

What f**kin' point!!!

The environmental changes have come more from EU regulations and directives than the Greens, who have never been in power in their 25 years.

Like the Greens in Germany, they will have to grasp that nettle soon.