Minister for Children and Integration, Roderic O’Gorman, has ascended to the leadership of Ireland’s Green Party following Eamon Ryan’s announcement of his resignation last month.
Ryan’s decision came in the aftermath of disappointing results for the Green Party in both local and European elections, where they lost their MEP seats and saw a reduction in the number of local councillors.
The current Irish coalition government, comprising Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and the Green Party, has been in operation since June 2020.
Ryan’s departure marks the second leadership change within the coalition this year, following former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s resignation as Fine Gael leader in April.
Eamon Ryan announced last month that he was to step down as Green Party leader
The Green Party officially announced Mr. O’Gorman’s new leadership role during a press conference in Dublin on Monday morning. Outgoing leader Eamon Ryan described the event as a moment of transition to a new leadership era.
In a closely contested leadership contest, 1,896 out of a possible 3,425 party members participated in the voting process. Mr. O’Gorman secured 984 votes, narrowly surpassing Minister of State and Senator Pippa Hackett, who received 912 votes.
Effective immediately, Mr. O’Gorman will assume leadership from Mr. Ryan. Later today, he is scheduled to join Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin at the coalition leaders’ regular pre-cabinet meeting.
Who is Roderic O’Gorman?
Mr. O’Gorman’s commitment to the Green Party spans over two decades. His political career took a significant turn in February 2020 when he secured a seat as a TD representing Dublin West. Upon the formation of the coalition government, he assumed the role of Minister responsible for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth.
Before his parliamentary role, Mr. O’Gorman dedicated six years to Fingal County Council, serving the Castleknock LEA. His involvement in local issues included leading the Yes Equality initiative in Dublin West, advocating for marriage equality, and actively participating in the campaign to repeal the 8th Amendment.
Beyond politics, Mr. O’Gorman’s professional background includes a tenure as a law lecturer, underscoring his academic contributions and expertise in legal matters.