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Green leader steps down as party joins government This
year’s general election could be classed as somewhat of a bittersweet
victory for the Green Party who now form part of the Irish Government
for the first time.
Dublin North TD Trevor Sargent resigned from his role as party leader
despite two Green ministerial appointments — John Gormley at Environment
and Eamon Ryan at Communications — as well as a Seanad seat for
Dan Boyle.
Mr Sargent had previously stated that any deal with Fianna Fáil
would see him step down as it was a party that “no-one could responsibly
go into government with.”
But this week he has described the deal with Fianna Fáil as the
proudest moment of his life as it meant the Greens could now shape government
policy.
Mr Sargent’s decision to resign as leader was met with a mixture
of praise and bewilderment from allies and foes alike.
Many praised his integrity in falling on his political sword but others
questioned the logic of doing so at a pivotal time in the party’s
history.
And it was at the first meeting of the 30th Dáil last week that
a vote to elect the Taoiseach saw Mr Ahern receiving 89 votes to Enda
Kenny’s 76.
Mr Ahern later went on to announce the members of his new Cabinet.
He is now also the first Taoiseach since Eamon De Valera to win three
elections in a row.
ELECTION 2007: Cabinet Ministers
Taoiseach: Bertie Ahern (FF)
Tánaiste/Minister for Finance: Brian Cowen (FF)
Health & Children: Mary Harney (PDs)
Agriculture, Fisheries & Food: Mary Coughlan (FF)
Defence: Willie O’Dea (FF)
Enterprise, Trade & Employment: Micheál Martin (FF)
Foreign Affairs: Dermot Ahern (FF)
Justice, Equality and Law Reform: Brian Lenihan Jr (FF)
Science & Education: Mary Hanafin (FF)
Social & Family Affairs: Martin Cullen (FF)
Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs: Eamon O Cúiv (FF)
Transport & the Marine: Noel Dempsey (FF)
Art, Sport & Tourism: Seamus Brennan (FF)
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Eamon Ryan (Greens)
Environment, Heritage & local Government: John Gormley (Greens)
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