Members vote to back new Programme for Government

Green Party members have voted to remain in Government with 84% choosing to back a revised Programme for Government put before them today.

The new programme, which includes a commitment to maintain free fees for third level students and a ban on corporate donations, was backed by 523 members out of a valid poll of 622. A motion to reject legislation on NAMA was defeated by 68% of members, who met in the RDS in Dublin today.

Green Party Leader John Gormley thanked the negotiating team and Green Party members for their hard work in securing a revised programme for Government. He said the new programme was transformational and would create jobs, reform politics and maintain a high standard of education for Irish young people.

Results of Motion 1: "The Green Party / Comhaontas Glas will continue to participate in Government on the basis of the new Programme for Government presented to this meeting."

Total poll: 624

Spoiled votes: 2

Total valid poll: 622

Yes: 523 (84.08%)

No: 99 (15.92%)

Results of Motion 2: “The Green Party/Comhaontas Glas rejects the National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009 and requires the Parliamentary Party to reject it in the Oireachtas."

Total poll: 628

Spoiled votes: 24

Total valid poll: 604

Yes: 189 (31.29%)

No: 415 (68.71%)

The programme for Government document can be downloaded from www.greenparty.ie