For the latest Waterford News and Sport , tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demandRoderic O’Gorman Green Party Rebuild Faces Major Electoral Test
The Roderic O’Gorman Green Party rebuild has entered a crucial phase, with the party leader aiming to recover from a near wipeout in the 2024 general election.
Mr O’Gorman said this year’s by-elections will provide the first clear test of whether the party can begin that recovery.
Speaking to the Press Association, he assessed the performance of the current Government, criticised recent policy decisions, and outlined plans to rebuild the party within a single Dáil term.
Roderic O’Gorman Green Party Rebuild After 2024 Election Defeat
More than a year has passed since the November 2024 general election, which reduced the Green Party to a single TD.
Mr O’Gorman retained his seat, while former minister of state Malcolm Noonan later secured election to the Seanad in early 2025.
“We’re in an absolute rebuild phase — and we’ve done this before,” Mr O’Gorman said.
The scale of the loss drew comparisons with 2011, when the party lost all Dáil seats after serving in government during the financial crash.
Experience Shapes Roderic O’Gorman Green Party Rebuild Plan
Mr O’Gorman served as Green Party chairman for much of the period between 2011 and 2020.
During that time, the party rebuilt and went on to win 12 seats in the 2020 general election.
He said the situation following the 2024 election is very different. According to Mr O’Gorman, voters did not show the same anger seen in 2011.
“There was recognition for some of what we achieved in government,” he said.
However, he said transfer patterns proved decisive.
“We were behind the Social Democrats and Labour in most constituencies, and our transfers helped elect their candidates.”
Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman with Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien (Niall Carson/PA)
Roderic O’Gorman Green Party Rebuild Stronger Than 2011
Despite the election setback, Mr O’Gorman said the party is in a stronger position than it was after 2011.
The Greens now have representation in both the Dáil and the Seanad, access to State funding, and 23 councillors nationwide.
“That’s the biggest difference compared to 2011,” he said.
Criticism of Government Policies During Green Party Rebuild
Mr O’Gorman criticised the performance of the Fine Gael–Fianna Fáil coalition since taking office.
He accused the Government of retreating from social policy and weakening climate action.
He also criticised delays to public transport projects, including the Finglas Luas and Dart+ South West.
“I worry the Government has moved from progress back towards failure,” he said.
International Protection Policy and Green Party Rebuild
Mr O’Gorman also addressed changes to international protection policy following the transfer of responsibility to Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan.
He disputed claims that recent measures caused a reduction in application numbers.
According to Mr O’Gorman, applications fell before those measures came into effect.
“The Government caught a break, and that lull could disappear quickly,” he said.
By-Elections Central to Roderic O’Gorman Green Party Rebuild
Mr O’Gorman said his focus has now shifted to internal reform and upcoming by-elections.
The party will run former councillor Niall Murphy in Galway West, with a candidate expected in Dublin Central.
He said success means improving the party’s vote share compared to the general election.
“In Dublin Central,” he added, “who knows what could happen on a good day for the party?”
