Greens contesting all European constituencies

The Green Party will contest the four European parliament constituencies throughout the island in the May elections.

Party leader Eamon Ryan, who is running in Dublin, introduced his fellow candidates at a press conference in Dublin today.

Louth councillor Mark Dearey is contesting Midlands-North-West, Waterford environmental activist Grace O'Sullivan is running in the South, while Ross Brown, also active on environmental issues, is contesting the North constituency.

Mr Ryan stressed the party was running candidates as part of a European election campaign, promoting a policy of major investment in energy, transport and housing infrastructure in an effort to tackle unemployment and prepare Europe for environmental challenges ahead.

"Our candidates will bring different qualities to the table, but they all believe in a Green vision which will bring sustainable economic development to Ireland and secure our future across this whole island," he added.

Mr Ryan, a former minister and TD, said a lot of faith had been lost in Europe due to five years of austerity.

"As we turn the corner, I am looking to get people thinking about where we go next," he added.