The Green Party annual convention in Cork has voted unanimously against forming a pre-election pact with any other party. On the issue of coalition, a three-to-one majority said they viewed the prospect of coalition with either of the two main parties with concern.
Green Party TD, John Gormley, led a scathing attack on the Government's record on corruption at his party's convention today. He told delegates that State and business were hand in glove.
He accused the PDs of sacrificing principles for power and Fianna Fáil of putting big business before society. Earlier, party leader, Trevor Sargent, outlined his party's priorities and attacked the Government's environmental record.
Candidates at the convention have voted in favour a motion to create the post of party chairman. The motion was supported by the party leader John Gormley. It was opposed by the Green MEP, Patricia McKenna.
This conference is effectively the launch of the Green Party's election campaign. It is also the first time the party has had a leader to address such a gathering.
In his opening address, Trevor Sargent outlined the party's policy priorities - quality public transport, cycleways, ending poverty, proper health care, a zero waste strategy and the closure of Sellafield.
In setting out their electoral stall, there were also references to political sleaze. Trevor Sargent told delegates that people should know what they get if they vote Greens and that Green politics were clean politics.
There was also an attack on the Government's environmental policies, highlighting the rise of greenhouse emissions. The party was warned that these could result in billions of euro in fines.
