Roderic O'Gorman elected as new Green Party leader

Muireann Duffy

Minister for Children and Integration Roderic O'Gorman has been chosen as the new leader of the Green Party.

Mr O'Gorman defeated Senator Pippa Hackett in the leadership contest which followed Eamon Ryan's announcement last month of his decision to step down as party leader.

The Dublin West TD emerged as the winner having secured 984 votes to Ms Hackett's 912.

Voting among Green Party members took place online and closed on Sunday evening, with the results announced at Bewley's Cafe on Grafton Street in Dublin city on Monday morning.

Following confirmation of his win, Mr O'Gorman said he was "deeply humbled and deeply grateful".

He also paid tribute to his predecessor Mr Ryan and outgoing deputy leader Catherine Martin, who he said had "guided our party back from its lowest point in 2011".

Following Mr Ryan's announcement, Ms Martin said she would step back as deputy leader and chose not to contest the leadership race.

However, she did not rule out a future leadership run, stating at the time: "At this point in time, I will not be putting myself forward for the leadership contest."

She subsequently clarified: "Never say never, and I've made it clear that it's just at this point at time."

Under the party's constitution, a leadership contest must be held within six months following a general election.

-Additional reporting by PA