Green's Martin defeated in Leadership race by two votes

Deputy Ryan won in a narrow race of 994 (51.2%) votes to Deputy Martin's 946 (48.8%).

The Green Party has re-elected Eamon Ryan as its leader, defeating Monaghan-native Catherine Martin in the process.

Ballots had been issued to a total of 2,923 Green Party members in the Republic of Ireland, and 598 Green Party members in Northern Ireland.

A total of 1,950 cast their ballot (66.7%), with 10 spoiled votes.

Deputy Ryan won in a narrow race of 994 (51.2%) votes to Deputy Martin's 946 (48.8%).

A TD for the Dublin Rathdown constituency since 2016, Ms Martin has served as Deputy Leader of the Green Party since June 2011, and was recently appointed to the role of Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht.

Deputy Ryan is serving Minister for Climate Action, Communications Networks and Transport.

The result was announced yesterday evening.

After the result, Deputy Martin said it had been a difficult time for the party, but it was now time to move on.

She said the party should examine why they are losing members, such as the recent prominent loss of former North-West MEP Saoirse McHugh, and added there may be a need to reform the party in future to show membership they are valued.