Power has shown Greens' true
colours
Green Party leader John Gormley maintains "the reaction
of the people to the Greens in Government has been very
positive", his party has "displayed leadership and
courage" and got themselves a good deal when going into
Government.
Those of us who, upon hearing of this proposed coalition
back in May, naively hoped that the Green Party's
presence in Government might signal some change for the
better soon found our hopes rapidly dashed.
The principles they shouted trenchantly about from the
rooftops while in opposition, such as rendition flights
through Shannon, incinerators and the Tara/M3 disgrace,
were dropped like a hot potato once they got within
sniffing distance of Government ministries.
Let's call a spade a spade. It must now be blatantly
obvious that any of the so-called principles which the
Green Party sacrificed in order to enter Government with
Fianna Fáil were never strongly held to start
with. Green Party founder Roger Garland, a genuine man of
principle, was the first to voice these views when the
coalition was formed.
In relation to these "principles", the Green Party
constantly trots out the line that the damage was done
before their time in Government. If that were the case,
then why would people of real "principle" take part in a
situation where they knew full well from the outset that
their contribution could only be minimal? The obvious
answer being power.
The previous coalition partners, the odious PDs, were
wolves in wolves' clothing and, at least one knew where
one stood with them. The Greens' woolly yellow stance
thus far only illustrates how they wear the sheep's
clothing while at the same time having any potential
fangs surgically removed.
Gormley, it seems, has little qualms and ministers have
been reduced to ludicrous photo opportunities with
eco-friendly cars, vegetable displays and the
by-now-tired one of arriving to meetings on their
bicycles.
It's been oft said if you lie down with dogs you wake up
with fleas. Minister Gormley must be pretty itchy by now.
Perhaps, all his Fair trade, 100pc eco-friendly cotton
clothing will keep him comfortable even if his conscience
hardly will!
David Marlborough,
Dublin 6W.
© The Irish Independent, 11th. October 2007.
