You could be forgiven for thinking that the leader of the Green Party, Eamon Ryan, was still a member of Government, or even an elected representative, but he is neither.
Tonight, once again, on the national television broadcaster, RTE, he will be given airtime to speak about green policy that nobody has voted for since 2007.Has there ever been an ex-public representative that gets so much media time ?
Could it be that he is the last politician around that will defend the in-defensible ?
Ryan holds a some sort of qualification in commerce, none in any scientific discipline and sells bicycles. He attended an event in Maynooth last year and admitted he was totally unaware of the legal failings with his massive National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP), All 6 green members of the Irish parliament lost their seats in 2011. Not alone can he select himself to be on the panel on RTE programmes, but he can select the opposition attendees. He does this by refusing to come on with the likes of me, of those taking cases in the courts to stop his racket or anyone with a keen knowledge of electrical engineering such as the Irish Academy of Engineers. He came out the worst of an event on radio with UCD Economist Colm McCarthy who described his plans for 100% renewable future as "HOGWASH". Despite all this Ryan was unable to answer a simple question put by the representative from Wind Aware, who is calling for new set back guidelines, the question was "would you like to have a wind turbine beside your home"? He declined to answer.
ReplyDeleteA look at the Energy Policy at GreenParty.ie tells us that "A modern Ireland needs a modern energy supply".
ReplyDeleteModern is good, we must modernise. Drag those recalcitrant utilities engineers screaming into the modern reality!
It goes on to say that "The Green Party believes renewable energy will reduce costs for households and businesses, cut fossil fuel imports and help combat climate change". Belief systems are better. Beliefs do not need competent cost-benefit and technical evaluation. We believe, ergo, it will come to pass. Long live beliefs.
And then " Smart technology will lead to employment opportunities, greater efficiency and reduced consumption". Could this be the product of a strong belief system? Who could oppose 'smart' except those folks who are dumb?
The final kicker is "We are completely opposed to the development of fracking on the island of Ireland". Is that because:
(a) Fracking is not modern, or
(b) Fracking is not smart, or,
(c) Greens do not believe in fracking?
It matters not a jot that the public may be sceptical of Green Policies - the legacy of the NREAP with all its deficiencies is lodged with Europe and you and I, dear friends, are footing the bill for its implementation.