EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES 2020 - Green Party Convention

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES 2020

Nuala Ahern and Louise Burchall

Nuala Ahern
Nuala has a wealth of experience at both local and European level of green issues. As a
councillor on Wicklow Co Council she pushed recycling and zero waste initiatives and as a
Green MEP she worked on energy saving, renewables and anti-nuclear issues. Nuala was
also a key rapporteur on the electric and electronic waste directive which made a major
step forward on dealing with this important waste stream. For the last number of years
Nuala has worked with Green European Foundation and Green Foundation Ireland on
project involving food, farming and biodiversity and climate change. GEF currently has
prioritised a Europe wide project on basic income which Nuala is keen to see Ireland take
part in. Nuala continues to be an active member of her local group, campaigning in the local
and European elections for Grace O'Sullivan and Lourda Scott, and in the recent general
election for Steve Mathews.

Louise Burchall
Louise lives in Naas Co. Kildare with her daughter Jemma, who recently graduated from
Maynooth University with a Law Degree, and their dog Alfie. Louise is passionate about
equal opportunities in Education. She is a long-time supporter of the Green Party having
first joined in 1997 and ran for local elections in 1999 at just 20 years of age. She was very
active in the Kildare North GE campaign last February when the Party obtained over 10% of
the vote. Louise feels it is vital that the grassroots voice is heard at EC level. Louise is very
passionate about animal welfare and is a member of the animal welfare policy group. She is
an advocate of the “30 wears project” in a bid to end fast fashion. Louise is on a mission to
make people happy and facilitates workshops in laughter yoga and coaches on resilience
and happiness.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES 2020

Councillor Marianne Butler and Maebh Cody

Cllr. Marianne Butler
I am one of the Green Party’s longest serving councillors. I was first elected to Dundalk Town
Council in 2009 and subsequently elected to Louth County Council in 2014 and again in
2019. Our Party is facing the key challenges of growing our organisation while remaining true
to our principles, and withstanding the inevitable criticism that comes with taking tough
decisions and driving real change. I served on the Executive Committee from 2011 - 2012,
when the Party was fighting to survive with virtually no resources. The challenge is very
different now, the Executive Committee is responsible for an expanding organisation and
membership. Resources need to be carefully managed to support this growth. I believe my
skills, judgement, and perspective on the Executive Committee can help the Green
Party/Comhaontas Glas navigate these challenges and approach the next elections from a
position of strength and with a track-record of achievement. I would appreciate your support.

Maebh Cody
I joined the Greens in 2007. Having been a group officer and involved in election campaigns
in both urban and rural areas, I know the different challenges encountered and supports
required in these areas. I propose solutions that are inclusive to all members to meet
challenges. I am Chair of Longford-Westmeath Greens, a group I was instrumental in setting
up in 2017/18. Since being co-opted to EC in April, I worked on Special Convention, Strategy
Planning, advocated for inclusive communications for groups and stakeholders and the
development of a bullying policy alongside serving as Returning Officer for the Leadership
Election. I believe in the values of grassroots democracy, equality of members, inclusiveness
and transparency. The work and decisions I make on EC uphold and reflect these values. I
was an ETF member for LE19/GE20 and believe with the right leadership we can have
elected reps and a vibrant party throughout this island.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES 2020

Tara Connolly and Councillor Caroline Conroy

Tara Connolly
I am a member of the Brussels Irish Greens having been an active member of the party since
2009, when I joined the Young Greens and Dublin Bay South Greens. I convened the party’s
Climate & Energy Policy Group and team-lead on drafting of the party’s energy policy. I have
worked in the environmental NGO sector for over ten years with VOICE in Ireland,
Greenpeace in Brussels and today with Friends of the Earth Europe. I also worked with
Grace O’Sullivan MEP in Brussels. My expertise is EU energy and climate policy, with a
special interest in the Shannon LNG campaign. I have also served on the boards of the
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Sustainable Water Network (SWAN). I
was in favour of the party entering government and am seeking your number one vote to
help ensure the party secures as many policy wins as possible in government.

Cllr. Caroline Conroy
I am a Councillor in the Ballymun-Finglas area of Dublin City, having grown up locally in the
flats in Ballymun. I studied at night for a degree in Business Studies and worked as a HR
Manager in Irish and multinational companies. I saw first-hand the damage that poor
planning, services and infrastructure can do, and involved myself in my community and in
local campaigns across a range of organisations, including environment, youth and
education. Believing that community activism is essential, but political leadership is critical, I
joined the Green Party and ran in local and general elections since 2014. I am proud to serve
the people as the first Green Party Councillor in the area, and I work hard to address
significant social and environmental challenges. Please vote for me for my experience and
skills, and for a different perspective on the Executive Committee.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES 2020

Councillor Laura Donaghy and Dominick Donnelly

Cllr. Laura Donaghy
As our Party gathers momentum and members, its internal structures must be transparent,
resilient and fair. I am committed to building a sustainable party while we work towards a
sustainable society. If elected to the Executive Committee, I will use my voice to work for a
party that is inclusive, unified and forward-looking. An active canvasser and campaign
manager through the last two elections, I currently chair the South Dublin constituency
group, sit on the party’s Diversity subcommittee, and convene the Political Reform policy
group. Most recently I was co-opted to South Dublin County Council, where I represent
Rathfarnham-Templeogue. I grew up in Tyrone and moved to Dublin in 2016. Before
entering politics, I served for several years on the board of a national sporting body.
Professionally, I bring the work ethic and attention-to-detail of my medical background
along with the day-to-day outreach skills of my current role in comms.

Dominick Donnelly
I have been a highly active Green Party member for over 20 years with many years on the
party’s Executive, including 5 as National Co-ordinator. I am currently Chair of the Rules and
Procedures Committee, Convenor of the Waste Policy Group, Fundraising Officer for the
Cork Greens, as well as being campaign manager for Cllr. Oliver Moran. I was formerly a
Town Councillor and Mayor in Passage West. I also used to edit the party’s internal
magazine. In my other life I am a secondary teacher of maths and physics. With the
phenomenal growth in the party’s membership and electoral success in recent years, we are
experiencing growing pains, as we update our processes to deal with the hugely increased
level of activity of the party. As part of the party’s Executive, I look forward to helping to

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES 2020

keep this fabulous party vibrant, relevant, and well organised to meet the coming
challenges.

Tate Donnelly and Ben Fitzpatrick-O’Leary

Tate Donnelly
My name is Tate Donnelly. I’m 21 years old, a student of Economics & Mathematics and a
researcher on Just Transition. I’m from just outside Castleblayney, County Monaghan. I have
dedicated myself to the Party over the last few years in a number of roles, from founding
the Rural Young Greens, then co-founding and chairing Trinity Young Greens, to serving as
secretary of Cavan Monaghan Greens, Events and Membership Officer of the Young Greens,
Convenor of the Economic Policy Group, a member of the Executive Committee for the past
year, and standing in the General Election in 2020 in Cavan-Monaghan, as the youngest
candidate in the country, and achieving a record vote for the Greens in the constituency. I
have worked passionately to grow this party across the country, and I would hugely
appreciate your vote to re-elect me to EC to continue this work. Ar aghaidh linn le chéile!

Ben Fitzpatrick-O’Leary
Hi, I am Ben. I joined the party in 2016 and have served at various levels of the party over the
years. I’ve Helped revitalise the Young Greens from 2017-2019, working for the Party in HQ
during the Locals & European Elections, Campaign manager for a Successful Local campaign
in 2019 & re-establish the UCD Young Greens and I was pivotal in helping Elected Minister
Roderic O’Gorman. I care about this party. I know how it works & I want this party to be
better. Over the next two years, the Executive Committee will play a pivotal role in
modernising our party. When our party is at our best, we can effect real change. We need to
refocus and ask ourselves what the Green party is. I hope you would give me your 1st
preference or the highest possible preference.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES 2020

Geraldine Flanagan and Justin Fleming

Geraldine Flanagan
As a student, my father gave me a copy of ‘A Silent Spring’ by Rachel Carson, which had a
great impact on my understanding of nature and the importance of biodiversity. I have since
been committed to the protection of our environment and have been actively involved with
my community on environmental & conservation projects for many years. I have been a
member of Wicklow Greens since 2005 as both secretary and chairperson for the group,
while actively supporting candidates in general and local elections. I have enjoyed two
careers, both as an artist and designer, and as an Early Intervention teacher for children
with special needs, so diversity and social integration are central to my beliefs. My
transferrable skills will be an advantage if I am chosen as a member of Executive Council; I
will also bring personal skills of clarity and focus on debate, fair-mindedness and integrity.

Justin Fleming
I’m a 25-year-old graduate planner from rural and urban homes in Cork. I joined the party in
the run up to the 2014 local elections when I realised climate change is an existential crisis
and no other manifesto even mentioned it. I served as a local area representative for Cork
City for a year and a half. During this time, I made solving the housing emergency my top
priority because of its relevance and potential to renew the city and support sustainable
transport. When I served as membership officer, I restarted the Cork East Greens and
encouraged members to become local area representatives, which led to the election of the
first two Green councillors to Cork County Council in 2019. I was honoured to serve as
Councillor Colette Finn’s 2019 campaign manager. I believe in a party of respect, diversity,
and each person’s talents. Please vote number one for me.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES 2020

Bláithín Gallagher and Senator Roisín Garvey

Bláithín Gallagher
I would love to continue the work I commenced as Chair of the EC this past year, the busiest
ever for the Party. A Leitrim woman, I will ensure the voice of rural dwellers, particularly
those with no elected representatives, is heard. Skilled in project management, research,
facilitation and mediation, my professional career crosses the fields of health services,
quality of life, disability, ageing, quality improvement and the arts. Experienced at board
level, nationally and internationally, I work with cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams. I
promise integrity, honesty and fairness. I’m a highly motivated, independent thinker and
problem solver, who is calm under pressure. I will support the Green Party at executive level
to ensure it maintains its principles of working to create an inclusive, diverse society, based
on the fundamentals of social justice across Ireland, by building trusted relationships and
inspiring a shared vision.

Senator Roisín Garvey
From a farm in West Clare. My background is in Climate Education and Community
Activism. I co-ordinated protests that led to the shutdown of Sellafield, the first Anti War
Movement protests against the use of Shannon Airport. I set up Fracking Free Clare leading
to the banning of fracking in Co Clare and all other councils followed suit. I am a single
mother and have been single mother campaigning since my 21yr old son was 3. I set up
Ireland’s first non-fee-paying Steiner School so that Steiner Education could be available for
all. Set up Beavers, Cubs, Scouts… Volunteering in the community for years around cycling,
sustainable transport, biodiversity. First woman and first Green elected to Clare Co Council
for North Clare. I can support the party Executive in having strong, rural, social justice and
climate representation from someone with a lot of experience, as well as a rural female
voice from west of the Shannon.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES 2020

John Humphreys and Rob Jones

John Humphreys
I joined the Green Party in March 2018 and campaigned actively in the ‘Repeal the Eight’
referendum, the 2019 local elections and the 2020 general election. I have been chair of the
Limerick Greens for the past 12 months. I strongly support the party’s participation in
government. I am motivated to do as much as I can to mitigate environmental damage and
promote social and economic justice. In addition to the Green Party, I am also a member of
Social Justice Ireland. I led the Irish subsidiary of a US manufacturing corporation for more
than 20 years and was a corporate Vice President for 6 of those years so I have extensive
senior management and board experience which I want to put at the disposal of the party. I
live in Limerick, am married, and have 5 adult children.

Rob Jones
I’m a proud Westmeath man living in Dublin Bay South constituency. As a member of the
2019/20 Executive Committee, Policy Delegate, Campaign Manager for the election of Patrick
Costello TD, former Chair of Dublin Bay North Greens, former Branch Coordinator of the
Young Greens, and having canvassed with reps all over the country, I have been involved in
almost every aspect of the Party. I‘m focused on ensuring every single member is included in
shaping our way forward together. This year my work included being part of the organising of
Special Convention, Leadership election and this National Convention our most participative
Green events ever. My main priorities are to ensure our continued member led consensus
based approach to decision making, updating our governance structures to fit and protect our
growing Party and to make sure we remain on a strong footing for the next election. Please
vote Rob Jones #1

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES 2020

Breandán MacGabhann and Matthew Murray

Breandán MacGabhann
Originally from Belfast, I’ve lived in Dublin, Galway, Ballina, Sligo, Edinburgh, Liverpool and
now Limerick, where I lecture in Geography at UL and MIC. A party member since before the
2007 General Election, I’ve been a Constituency Group Treasurer, a campaign manager and
communications director for local, Dáil, and Seanad elections, and a local election candidate
– just 25 votes short! I’m now LEA representative for Limerick City West, Deputy Chair of the
Election Task Force, and Chair of the Education Policy Group. This was my first year on the
Executive Committee. I led the hiring process for our new General Secretary, and have been
working on a new communications strategy, improving our internal communications, and
giving members with particular expertise a way to contribute that to our relevant
spokespeople and Ministers. I’m asking you to re-elect me to continue what we’ve started.

Matthew Murray
 A committed, enthusiastic, versatile, highly motivated and accomplished individual with a
broad and deep array of knowledge, skills and experience. During my long professional
career, I have worked in the Private, Public and Not for Profit sectors, in a wide variety of
disciplines, including Strategy, Marketing, Human Resources, Teaching and Management
Consultancy and in a variety of cultures, including Ireland, China, Tajikistan and the UK. A
recent Green Party member, in the 2020 General Election I was David Healy’s campaign
manager in the Dublin Bay North constituency. Whilst unsuccessful, the Party increased its
vote in the constituency and has a solid organisation platform for future elections. Key skills
and characteristics that I can bring to the National Executive include critical analysis and
critical thinking, business acumen, integrity, interpersonal skills, sound judgement and a
willingness to embrace change. My core education qualification is an MBA from Henley
University in the UK. Travel and reading are my key passions.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES 2020

Councillor Martina O’Connor

Cllr Martina O’Connor
I am a Galway City Councillor and a member of the Galway Greens. I am Galways Policy
Council delegate, member of the party’s Health Policy review group and Animal Welfare
policy group. I will bring a strong regional voice to the executive committee. I live in Galway
with my husband and five children and I supported the Green Party entering government.
Outside the party I am chairperson of the Environment Recreation and Amenity SPC; a
member of the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee and the Local
Community Development Committee. I am also a member of Galway City Councils Audit
Committee. My background is in Nursing/ Nurse management and I was a La Leche League
leader for 10 years. I have extensive management committee experience to bring to the
role, please consider me for a number one vote so I can bring my health sector
management, community and local government experience to a role on the executive
committee.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES 2020

Hugh O’Donnell and Críostóir O’Faolain

Hugh O’Donnell
I’m a member of the Green Party since 2015. I’m a Young Green; I was a member of the
party’s International Affairs & Defence Policy Group and the European Sub-Committee; I’m
a member of the Dublin Bay South Greens and I assisted the party in GE2020 on legal
matters. I’m a practicing Barrister and am also an associate lecturer in the IPA lecturing
evenings and weekends in Law, Politics and Public Administration. I hold an MA in European
International Relations from the College of Europe (Bruges), and a BCL Law with Politics
Degree (UCD). I was in favour of entering government because I believe the next 5 years are
crucial to mitigate the worst effects of climate change but I understand and respect all
positions on what was a difficult decision. I would appreciate your #1 vote so I can bring my
strong legal and policy experience to the Executive.

Críostóir O’Faolain
As a young rural Green, I firmly believe that we need to be a party that is rooted in every
corner of the island. As a member of the Waterford Greens since early 2019 I have worked
hard to turn West Waterford a shade greener. This work includes saving trees in Dungarvan,
the smoky coal ban, and pushing for more walking and cycling routes. Tá an Ghaeilge
luachmhar dom agus ba mhaith liom úsáid na Gaeilge a threisiú sa pháirtí. I grew up near
the village of Kilmacthomas, at the heart of the Waterford Greenway, and Dungarvan is now
home. After studying in Limerick and Galway, I was proud to be appointed manager of the
Waterford Gaeltacht community development company. Current projects include
developing affordable housing. Volunteering as a crew member on the Heilbhic Lifeboat is
how I give back to my community. You can trust me with your vote.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES 2020

Councillor Michael Pidgeon and Jack Redmond

Cllr. Michael Pidgeon
I am a Green Party Councillor and am currently the Green leader on Dublin City Council. As
an active member for fourteen years, I have a strong practical understanding of party
structures. I was chair of the Young Greens, served on the Executive Committee previously,
and have overseen dozens of party selection conventions. The Executive Committee’s key
task is to ensure our party is an effective vehicle for political change. To do that, we must
restore an internal culture of mutual respect and kindness, which has been weakened these
past months. As a trade union official, I’ve seen how important unity is to achieving change.
I voted in favour of entering government, but understand the valid concerns that many had.
With your vote, I would work to ensure that those fears are not realised and help the party
secure major progressive policy wins. I would greatly appreciate your #1 vote.

Jack Redmond
A Chairde, my name is Jack Redmond and I have been a member of the Green Party since
2015, in both Dublin Rathdown and Dublin South West. I’m from Churchtown in Dublin but I
have worked all over the island of Ireland as a self-employed tour guide. I have degrees in
Economics and Public Affairs, currently I work with Francis Noel Duffy TD in our Oireachtas
team. Through working with people from all walks of life and all corners of Ireland, I have
seen first-hand the urgent need for green policies and the growth in green thinking across
our island. However, there are many communities that we still need to listen and reach out
to, and as a member of the Executive Committee I would work to prioritise engagement in
areas and among groups that are not well represented in our party. I would be grateful for
your Number 1 vote.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES 2020

Councillor Hazel Smyth and Michael White

Cllr. Hazel Smyth
Hazel Smyth is a Westmeath based Green Party Councillor. A qualified barrister working
within the technology sector, with experience in the construction and tax industry
respectively. A member of the Environment SPC, board member of Columba College
Secondary School, representative on the Regional Health Forum, member of the Joint
Policing Committee and Road Safety committee. With a master's degree in international
commercial law, plus qualifications in employment law and privacy law, she brings along a
wide range of skills. A former Auditor of the UCC Environmental Society and delegate at the
Copenhagen Climate Change Talks, she is a passionate supporter of the Green Party
principles. Working as a volunteer with many NGOs, she is a strong believer in community
service and working hard for important causes. She cares deeply about seeing the Green
Party and its principles thrive and prosper, for the benefit of everyone - please vote number
one!

Michael White
I am Chair of the Donegal Greens, and was a 2020 General Election candidate. I joined the
party in 2017 and helped re-establish the Donegal branch in 2019. I will bring a rural voice to
the Executive Committee. I studied Computer Science at Trinity, going on to work on
projects in Kenya, Malawi, Colombia and Jamaica before returning to work at senior
management level in the IT sector. I am co-founder and CEO of a software start-up and am
also a mentor for Enterprise Ireland. I am from a fishing background in North East Donegal,
close to the border and Derry City where Brexit is of concern. I was an advocate for entering
government because I felt we needed to have a Green voice at the table as we navigate
these uncertain times. I would appreciate your vote so I can bring my strong management
expertise to the Executive Committee.