Greenpeace Ireland, threatened with closure because it has not paid its way, has received an unexpected endorsement from the Minister of State for Energy, Mr Emmet Stagg.
He urged the public to support the retention of a Greenpeace office in Ireland," saying it had "played a key role" in raising awareness of environmental issues.
"I wish to place on record my support for their retention in our country", Mr Stagg said, adding he was aware of the Greenpeace's "very effective work" on nuclear safety, renewable energy and water quality.
Greenpeace International is seeking to wind up the office because it failed to become self financing by the end of last year. A five hour meeting between both sides in Dublin last Saturday did not resolve the issue, which was adjourned for two weeks.