The Irish vote

The Irish Post newspaper, which is the main paper for the Irish community in Britain published an article last week entitled "The Irish in government". The article by Paul O'Donovan had this to say about the Green Party and the Irish. It is in the May 1st issue but the article itself is not online.

“ The Irish community are also well represented in the Green Party.


Dubliner Joseph Healy is contesting Vauxhall against incumbent Kate Hoey who defends a 10,500 majority. Hoey, of course, grew up in Northern Ireland and has been active on the subject for some years. Healy hopes to increase the Green Party’s showing from the 4.6% of the vote taken at the last election.


The Green Party could well find support amongst the former Labour supporters in the Irish community. Its manifesto which calls for redistribution of wealth, a living wage and a state pension of £175 a week will be popular with many traditional Labour voters. While the party holds two European Parliament seats and has a growing influence on councils across the land, it has struggled to get a foothold at Westminster. There is though a good chance of that party leader Caroline Lucas will take Brighton Pavilion with a good showing also expected in Norwich South.

Other Irish representatives standing for the Greens include Limerick born Gayle O’Donovan in Hulme and Manchester Central and second generation Romayne Phoenix in Lewisham West and Penge. Another Limerick connection comes with former London Assembly Member Noel Lynch who is running the party’s campaign in the London region.”