On February 8th Irish citizens were called to the voting booths to elect a new parliament through general elections.
While final results are still to be announced, the Irish Green Party – An Comhaontas Glas is already ensured to score its best result ever, more than doubling its 2016 result.
The Green Party is set to become the 4th political force in the country with 7.1% of the first preference votes. The result is even more encouraging among young voters where the Green party reaches third place, closely behind the other major political forces.
Comment was swift and came from Thomas Waitz, co-chair of the European Green Party.
He commented, “This is an excellent result. Not only is this the best result ever for the Irish Green Party, but it also shows the Green Party has proven its legitimacy beyond the climate topic. Health and housing were the most important topics for Irish voters.
The Irish Green Party has proven, like an increasing number of Green parties in Europe, that the solutions it offers are relevant across all policy topics to build a green future that benefits all citizens.”
Further reaction came from Evelyne Huytebroeck, co-chair of the European Green Party.
The Belgian added: “We are confident the Irish Green Party will work constructively with other parties to push for an ambitious social and environmental agenda through government or from the opposition.”
She said, “The European Green Party will fully support the work of the Irish Greens in case they are entrusted with governmental.”
