Green Party leader appointed to important Northern Ireland position.

Just a few days ago I wrote about the Green Party in Northern Ireland and its hopes for an electoral breakthrough in the upcoming Assembly elections. Well it seems that the co-Leader of the Northern Ireland Green party has been given an extremely important job even before the elections are called – this report tells how the co-Leader, Kelly Andrews has been appointed to the extremely important Parades Commission. The Parades Commission is the body which attempts to bring peace between communities in conflict over contentious parade routes.

First of all I would like to send my congratulations to Kelly. Secondly, and most importantly, I wish her all the best in this very difficult yet absolutely vital job – she may need the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job in this role.
A little part of me also wonders what effect this might have on Green Party chances in target constituencies such as North Down and South Down. I guess it can only be positive, firstly at least people are hearing of the Greens at all in the context of Northern Ireland, it can be very difficult for minor parties there to stand out from the more established ones. Secondly it reinforces the image of the Green party being a moderate, cross-community party and this is a key message they will have to get across to be successful.