Local Fine Gael Councillor, John Dolan, has reacted unfavourably to the Green Party requisite of a seven percent reduction in greenhouse gases prior to taking a decision to enter a coalition Government.
“I have a major concern with the policies of the Green Party and their effect on both the national economy, but mainly on the rural economy. We have already witnessed the total lack of understanding of how rural Ireland works, with party leader, Eamon Ryan, unearthing ideas like the reintroduction of wolves and having a car sharing scheme in rural villages instead of people owning their own cars.
“Now they are proposing a seven percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions without any financial analysis as to what impact this will have on Ireland’s economy. We already have a three percent target agreed and in my opinion that is enough,” Cllr. Dolan stated.
The Fine Gael Councillor noted the regular blame afforded to agriculture industry pertaining to relevant carbon emissions.
“For too long Irish agriculture has been an easy target to blame for carbon emissions, but the ONGOING COCID-19 pandemic has seen a major reduction in carbon gas production even though agriculture has stayed at full production.
“Irish agriculture is carbon efficient, the most efficient in the EU and the figures are there to prove it if the Green party would take the time to study the facts. The Green party and their policies, in my view, are anti-rural Ireland. They oppose live exports, want to end derogation and a reduction to the national herd. I can’t support these measures as it would have a disastrous effect on rural Ireland and on the National economy.
“When the last recession happened agriculture and rural Ireland played a major part in ensuring the country survived, and there was no mention of agricultural emissions and I wouldn’t have much faith in the Green Party’s financial management skills from their record in Government,” Cllr. Dolan continued.
Cllr. Dolan stated that he had made his personal feelings known to his political party colleagues at both local and national levels.
“I have made my views known within the Fine Gael party at all levels that I am not in favour of entering Government with the Green Party because I don’t agree with a lot of their beliefs and I think that they have a lot to learn.
“I have seen first hand the blinkered view of the Green Part that we have to ‘save the planet at all costs and nothing else matters’.
“Unfortunately, running a country is not that simple, we have to be responsible, not just to the environment, but to all parts of our economy and society. The next Government will have a tough job to do to kick start our country and it will have to make tough decisions and compromises which in my view leaves no room for any one with red line,” Cllr. Dolan concluded.
