Green Party NI leader set to become Irish senator

The leader of the Green Party in Northern Ireland, Mal O’Hara, is set to be elected to the Irish parliament as a senator.

The former Belfast City Councillor was nominated unopposed on Monday evening,

His appointment is likely to take place on 8 April, according to the party.

In a statement, Mr O’Hara said: “It is important that a Northern Ireland voice remains in the Seanad (Irish Senate).

“I believe that with my background as an activist, my almost two decades in the community and voluntary sector, my time as a Belfast City Councillor, as a Harbour Commissioner and board member of mental health charities, I can authentically advocate on behalf of all communities.

“I will ensure that all voices from Northern Ireland are amplified in the Seanad.”

If elected to the Seanad, O’Hara would become the party’s fifth sitting senator.

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said Mr O’Hara will bring “a unique all-island perspective”.

“As a community worker, activist and a politician, Mal has worked tirelessly to promote peace, prosperity, tolerance, climate and social justice across different political, social and cultural divides,” Mr Ryan said.

“I look forward to the positive contributions he will make, not just in the Seanad itself, but to politics in general and this island’s social and economic progress over the coming year.”

Senator Roisin Garvey, leader of the Green Party in the Seanad, welcomed the news, adding: “the more strong voices we have the better”.