The Green Party will set up a negotiating team for possible coalition talks at its first enlarged parliamentary party meeting in Leinster House today.
The coalition talks agenda will include the party's two preferred areas, environment and equality.Green equality covers a large area, including, possibly, several Government Departments, such as transport and finance (tax equality between rich and poor).
Mr Trevor Sargent, the party leader, said the agenda would be the same whether in talks for coalition, or "more likely" in opposition. They would be ready for talks about a possible coalition government, but "our concern is to have our policies implemented, regardless of whether we're in government or not".
There will be no compromise on incineration. Mr Sargent said it would ruin Ireland's agriculture and food industry, and he believed Fianna Fáil could change its policy on that.
Those at the meeting will also discuss "group status" for smaller parties in opposition and will be seeking a change in standing orders, because currently an alliance of 13 party and independent deputies is needed to secure speaking time, private members' time and other Dáil facilities, according to the party's chairman, Mr John Gormley.
The TDs' portfolios will also be decided. Each is expected to get at least two, based on their interest and expertise. They will also consider running Seanad election candidates, although they will need a voting pact with other parties to secure election.
Mr Sargent said the Greens' co-ordinating committee, its elected ruling body, would decide the negotiating team.
The chairman of the party's co-ordinating committee, Mr Shane Fitzgerald from Mayo, will attend the meeting as will the party's deputy leader, Cllr Mary White. Both are regional representatives. The party's MEPs, Ms Nuala Ahern and Ms Patricia McKenna, are also expected.
