Without Power Or Glory

The Greens In Government

The inside story of the Green party’s role in the government that brought Ireland into the IMF Bailout. This is the first insider account from a senior Green Party leader describing events from before the 2007 election through the trauma of the bank bailout and defeat in the 2011 General Election. In 2007, the long-held dreams of the Green Party to enter government became reality as they joined Bertie Ahern’s coalition. However, the dream soon turned into a nightmare as economic collapse and political chaos descended on the island, resulting in bailout, electoral wipe-out and public disgrace for the party and its members. Dan Boyle’s account gives a fascinating insight into what was going on behind the scenes – the tensions, the negotiations, the decisions that were to have far reaching consequences for the country. A long-time member of the Green Party, Dan Boyle was nominated by Bertie Ahern to Seanad Éireann in August 2007 and served there until 2011. He served as Party Chair of the Green Party during their time in government and he participated in the negotiations with Fianna Fáil prior to the two parties reaching an agreement to enter government. He lives in Cork.