As we approach the end of the year, I would be interested to know if posters believe the Greens have made a difference in their first few months in Government, either positive or negative and what that difference is.

I have to say there's very little difference,

The only policy change that people will notice is the tax change in cars.

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"We believe in constitutional action in normal times; we believe in revolutionary action in exceptional times."

James Connolly,

I have to say they have been very effective in pushing through Fianna Fail policies on rendition flights, incinerators, Tara etc.

No sign of any of their own policies but they've proven themselves to be very loyal to FF.

None.

Getting ahead with Seanad reform, the improvements in insulation standards for new-builds, the banning of incandescent bulbs by 2009 and the changes in VRT are all soild and concrete steps the Greens have taken to improve our environmental ranking from our current seventh placing in the world.

The changes in oil/gas tax treatments introduced by Eamon Ryan is another positive step. The Greens are a very positive influence on Government. Keep up the good work!

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Private profit for public gain!

It's only six months, but so far the Greens have been impacted more by being in government than the government has been impacted by including the Greens, and that's a win/win in my book.

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Gormley is a dead man walking in DSE if the Poolbeg incinerator goes ahead.

I think we have achieved - and laid the behind-the-scenes groundwork to achieve - more than 6/(77+6+2) worth.

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What part of NO don't EU understand?

The thing that has impressed me (and most politicians I have spoken to) is how effective Eamon Ryan (in particular) and John Gormley have been as Ministers.

Not so much in the ********************e that plays out in the meeja on a daily basis, but moreso in how they have gotten stuck into their new jobs, mastered the complexities of their respective briefs (two of the most complex Ministries), and begun the process of delivering change.

The usual suspects will whinge and complain about how the Green Ministers weren't able to row back decisions made by the previous Government, and how they have failed to do things (that they couldn't legally do in the first place - and would not have been allowed do even if they were in with FF light and FF lighter) that they (and I) would have liked to have seen done.


The Green Ministers (and Senator Dan Boyle) have shown the establishment and the voters that they are capable, committed, and statesmanlike.

If FG and Labour could focus on doing the same we might see a non-FF Government after 2012.

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"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest." Mark Twain

“When a government is dependent upon bankers for money, they and not the leaders of the government control the situation, since the hand that gives is above the hand that takes. Money has no motherland; financiers are without patriotism and without decency; their sole object is gain.” Napoléon Bonaparte

That's more of a comment on the Irish disease of NIMBYism than anything the Greens will or will not do while in government.

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