Leader Of Greens Is Eamon To Be Next Tanaiste

Ryan says No2 job is role he’d consider

- Ferghal Blaney

Eamon Ryan is teeing himself up as the country’s first Green Tanaiste.

The party’s leader has ruled out the top job of Taoiseach in the new Government if they join it but he has not ruled out the second most powerful position going to him.

He said he is considering the role because “it is something different” to the one now filled by Leo Varadkar.

Mr Ryan first has to battle some of his own party to remain on as leader because his deputy Catherine Martin is mulling over a challenge.

The Green Party’s constitution states it must have a leadership contest within six months of a General Election.

August 8 is D-Day in this case because the election was held on February 8.