Green Party leader Trevor Sargent hit back yesterday at criticism of his party by the Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny, and offered to debate their differences.
"It is time for other parties, including Fine Gael, to explain their policies, instead of misrepresenting what the Greens stand for," Mr Sargent said.
He was responding to Mr Kenny's comments in an interview in The Irish Times about aspects of Green Party policy. "Some people would be of the view that the Greens are all hare-brained and that many of their policies would lead to the destruction of so much that we have taken for granted in Ireland."
In response Mr Sargent maintained that the Green Party was rooted in reality. "For example, no person should ignore Ireland's over-dependence on fossil fuels, 90 per cent of which are imported while the EU average is 50 per cent." He said that Green Party policies were designed to help communities to make a good living and improve quality of life in both town and country.
He said examples of Green realism were the support for the implementation of the nitrates directive and the development of bio-gas enterprises, as well as proper planning to minimise urban-generated rural living.
"Rather than dormitory settlements based on long-distance commuting, we need rural communities and vibrant local villages," he said.
Mr Sargent also cited the party's support for proper access to upland areas for hillwalkers. "With one in four approved B&B businesses closing down in the last five years, tourism in rural areas is suffering for a number of reasons. Rural communities need visitors if rural employment is to be sustainable."
He also referred to the party's campaign for an end to drift-net salmon fishing. "As with hillwalking, angling tourism is also falling. The wild Irish salmon is becoming extinct in the face of political foot-dragging on this issue.
"Green parties are good for government. The Greens in Finland have made their country the most competitive in the world. The Greens in Germany have made their country a world leader in renewable energy. Ireland too will benefit enormously from Green government - it's time to make the change to Green policies," he concluded.
