Roderic O’Gorman, the Green Party leader and Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, has announced that he is readying himself for an anticipated election call this week. In an interview on RTÉ’s News at One, O’Gorman expressed his eagerness to engage in the campaign and discuss the various plans each political party has to offer.
“The posters are threaded and ready to go, and we’ve been actively canvassing in my own constituency, with Green Party candidates canvassing across the country,” he stated. O’Gorman emphasized the importance of moving past what he termed a “phony war” regarding policy proposals that have circulated in the media recently. “I’m eager to get into the campaign itself and let’s get talking about the plans that each party has for the country over the next five years,” he added.
While O’Gorman expressed a preference for a general election date of November 29, he acknowledged that the government still has significant work to complete before any election takes place. “I don’t think that Government should down tools; we have to work right to the end,” he asserted, indicating his commitment to fulfilling government responsibilities until the last moment.
The Minister indicated that he hopes to address several critical issues during the Cabinet meeting scheduled for tomorrow, including the national planning framework and housing targets, which he aims to finalize before the Dáil dissolves on Thursday. “It’s crucial that we get these important matters over the line,” he stated.
O’Gorman also highlighted the need for enhanced security measures, revealing that Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, is looking to present a memo concerning the oversight of planes potentially transporting illegal ammunition through the country and its airports. “Our laws aren’t strong enough there at the moment, and I think it’s important we take action against that,” he emphasized.
In addition to these pressing issues, O’Gorman mentioned his support for reforms within the Road Safety Authority, reflecting his broader agenda of enhancing safety and regulatory standards.
As the political landscape prepares for a potential election, O’Gorman’s proactive approach underscores the Green Party’s readiness to address key national issues while advocating for their vision of the future. With campaigning set to intensify, voters can expect a variety of proposals from competing parties in the lead-up to the election.