27/01/2009
Blackout Over Irish Lightbulb Switch
Environment Minister John Gormley has abandoned his plans for a ban on incandescent light bulbs.
In a statement this afternoon, Mr Gormley said proposed EU regulations would eliminate the need for Ireland to introduce its own minimum standards and he would be writing to all Irish MEPs urging them to support the Commission's plan.
However, Fine Gael have claimed that the "U-Turn" means the Government's ajenda is now "Green free" and are asking what is now the Green parties contribution to government.
Fine Gael Environment Spokesman, Phil Hogan TD said: "After this latest U-turn by the Greens, the question once again being asked by everybody is: 'What is the Green Party's contribution in Government?'
"John Gormley's decision is the last piece of the capitulation jigsaw of Green participation in Government with Fianna Fáil in terms of implementation of the Programme for Government. There is now nothing in the Programme that is even slightly 'Green-tinged'.
MR Hogan added: "It's worth noting that, since their decision to participate with Fianna Fáil in Government, the economy has slumped and the cuts in public expenditure have centred around education, health and the elderly - particularly the withdrawal of the over-70s medical card.
"In the same vein as the light bulb proposal this could mean the lights are going out on the Greens participation in Government."
(DW/BMcC)
In a statement this afternoon, Mr Gormley said proposed EU regulations would eliminate the need for Ireland to introduce its own minimum standards and he would be writing to all Irish MEPs urging them to support the Commission's plan.
However, Fine Gael have claimed that the "U-Turn" means the Government's ajenda is now "Green free" and are asking what is now the Green parties contribution to government.
Fine Gael Environment Spokesman, Phil Hogan TD said: "After this latest U-turn by the Greens, the question once again being asked by everybody is: 'What is the Green Party's contribution in Government?'
"John Gormley's decision is the last piece of the capitulation jigsaw of Green participation in Government with Fianna Fáil in terms of implementation of the Programme for Government. There is now nothing in the Programme that is even slightly 'Green-tinged'.
MR Hogan added: "It's worth noting that, since their decision to participate with Fianna Fáil in Government, the economy has slumped and the cuts in public expenditure have centred around education, health and the elderly - particularly the withdrawal of the over-70s medical card.
"In the same vein as the light bulb proposal this could mean the lights are going out on the Greens participation in Government."
(DW/BMcC)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 October 2008
Gormley Shares Bright Idea On Bulbs
The minister for the environment has announced plans to completely phase out the old style light bulbs within a few years. The new proposal from John Gormley will ban half of the range of traditional bulbs from shops by March of next year, and will be the first step in making Ireland the first country to be lit exclusively by energy saving light.
Gormley Shares Bright Idea On Bulbs
The minister for the environment has announced plans to completely phase out the old style light bulbs within a few years. The new proposal from John Gormley will ban half of the range of traditional bulbs from shops by March of next year, and will be the first step in making Ireland the first country to be lit exclusively by energy saving light.
12 September 2008
Fine Gael's Rejection "Outrageous" Following Comments, Say Greens
A Green party spokesman has slammed Fine Gael for criticising the government water quality failures, after it rejected a motion to build a treatment site.
Fine Gael's Rejection "Outrageous" Following Comments, Say Greens
A Green party spokesman has slammed Fine Gael for criticising the government water quality failures, after it rejected a motion to build a treatment site.
04 December 2014
Cross-Border Bid For RWC To Be Launched
Ireland is reportedly set to unveil its bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. According to reports, details will be revealed tomorrow, when IRFU officials will meet with Government representatives north and south of the border.
Cross-Border Bid For RWC To Be Launched
Ireland is reportedly set to unveil its bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. According to reports, details will be revealed tomorrow, when IRFU officials will meet with Government representatives north and south of the border.
18 October 2007
Boyle Set For Green Party Chair
Irish Senator Dan Boyle is expected to be elected Green Party chairman when nominations for the key position close on Friday. Four other candidates are in the running for the post which was vacated when the outgoing office holder John Gormley succeeded Trevor Sargent as party leader last month.
Boyle Set For Green Party Chair
Irish Senator Dan Boyle is expected to be elected Green Party chairman when nominations for the key position close on Friday. Four other candidates are in the running for the post which was vacated when the outgoing office holder John Gormley succeeded Trevor Sargent as party leader last month.
25 June 2008
New 'Green' Car Tax Scheme Launched
The Irish Environment Minister has unveiled a scheme that will allow new car owners to calculate how much they will pay in Vehicle Registration Tax and motor tax. The new labelling system, launched by Minister John Gormley, hopes to encourage drivers to purchase cars with lower carbon emissions.
New 'Green' Car Tax Scheme Launched
The Irish Environment Minister has unveiled a scheme that will allow new car owners to calculate how much they will pay in Vehicle Registration Tax and motor tax. The new labelling system, launched by Minister John Gormley, hopes to encourage drivers to purchase cars with lower carbon emissions.