Cllr Bogue leaves the Greens

Well known city councillor Lorna Bogue has left the Green Party citing the handling of the controversial Mother and Baby Homes records as one of the reasons for her departure.

Cllr Bogue will now represent her constituents as an Independent councillor in the Cork City South East ward.

In a statement to the Cork Independent, Cllr Bogue said she formally resigned from the party on 22 October.

“I did so because it became very clear to me that the leadership of the Green Party lacks the competence to make a substantive difference to the way that the Irish State treats its most mistreated groups – as evinced by the handling of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission Bill.”

Her statement added: “I appreciate that Minister O‘Gorman was coming from a well-intentioned position.

“Nevertheless, I cannot say to my constituents in Cork City South East, who live in the shadow of Bessborough Mother and Baby Home, that the Green Party engaged on this issue with a full understanding of its seriousness, nor with the close attention and careful handling that it deserves.”

Cllr Bogue claimed that she has frequently pointed out the “issue of misogyny in the Green Party” and the need for institutional change.

“But the active hostility towards women continues. My call to address this was never taken seriously by the leadership, or by head office.”

Her statement added: “I have made the anger and hurt caused by the Green Party to my constituents known at the highest levels of the party. I hope that this is heeded. To best serve my constituents, I must place my energies into advocacy and improving their wellbeing, rather than holding back the worst excesses of a small cohort in a small political party. I hope that the Green Party will identify the systemic origins of this and other issues within the organisation before further damage is done to the real lives of real people.”

Speaking about her resignation, Green Party councillors in Cork city and county collectively said: “We know her decision to do so was not taken lightly. Lorna has given most of her adult life to the Green Party. She was central to rebuilding the party when it was at its lowest electoral ebb. Nationally and here in Cork. The party owes her thanks for her energy and conviction.”