Mayo native in contention for leadership of the Green Party

By Caoimhín Rowland

Senator Pippa Hackett, originally from Ballindine in south Mayo, is set to vie for leadership of the Green Party, competing against Minister Roderic O’Gorman.

Hackett, currently residing in Offaly and holding a junior ministry seat in the cabinet has yet to publicly express her ambition to lead the party following Eamon Ryan's resignation as leader, but has garnered support from within her own party.

Green Party Senator Pauline O’Reilly has declared her support for Hackett, emphasising that she is “the only one from outside Dublin.” During an appearance on Virgin Media on Wednesday morning, Senator O’Reilly highlighted the necessity of a “rebalancing” within the party.

“Because I think what we have seen as people speak about the Green Party is that we don't understand what it's like to live outside Dublin and that's not correct, but we have to address that, really meet people's concerns where they are,” O’Reilly stated.

Minister of State Ossian Smyth also voiced his support for Hackett, assuring that the next leader would not be appointed through a “coronation.”