Now, with the country facing a devastating recession, Green Ministers are working in Cabinet to minimise adverse impacts on those lease able to take them. There is justified public outrage at the shocking level of mismanagement of the economy over the last decade.

The current economic crisis will be made far worse if we miss tis opportunity to radically equip our economy and society to confront the threat of Climate Change and the reality of dwindling oil supplies. I believe that with the proper Green policies we can make Ireland and Dublin world leaders in clean industry and green energy, creating high-quality jobs and improving our quality of life.

The Greens entered Government to implement this important and urgent agenda. The forthcoming Local Government Act will be hugely progressive and will bring truly historic changes in the way local authorities are run and financed. Out achievements in Government include those relating to planning, building regulations and insulation grants, energy use and distribution, and food production among many others.