Green Wave crashes in the Déise

Five years on from their strong showing in 2019, it appears that the The Green Wave has crashed in the Déise.

Mayor of Waterford's Metropolitan District, and outgoing Green Councillor, Jody Power lost his seat on the 8th count of the Waterford City East LEA. Jody spoke with the Waterford News & Star shortly after the results came through. 

He said: "It's a tough one, I'd much rather be on the other side of it to tell you the truth."

Jody took a moment to congratulate all his fellow candidates who made it to the other side. 

"These will be well representative of the people and I wish them all the best.

"I think we've had a wonderful five years in Waterford and being on the Council was such a privilege and to be the Metro Mayor was wonderful. 

"I met some wonderful people, wonderful organisations. I say Waterford, what a wonderful place to live. I'm so proud of it."

Party leader and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has frustrated Waterford voters over his stance regarding Waterford Airport.

Jody said: "I had 6,000 doors (to canvas) and generally people were so nice. I think the big thing on the doors has been the airport issue, by far."

Alongside Jody, fellow Councillor Cristíona Kiely lost her seat on the 11th count in the Tramore - Waterford City West LEA, marking a very different day for the Green Party to the same outing in 2019, when Marc Ó Cathasaigh, now a TD, romped home as poll topper on his first bid for election. 

For Jody, it's not the error of the party in Waterford for the disappointing result: "We've got great people here in Waterford."

"I am saddened by the fact that we're not going to have a real Green voice in Waterford Council for the next five years. Not being egotistical about it but I think Waterford is going to be poorer for it because we have to go down the Green agenda, we have to go down that road.

"It's the way of the future and we're going to have to go down that way. Where were the voices that we needed to hear from Dublin, to keep the Green regions alive?"

Jody added: "It feels like there's been a disconnect between Dublin and the regions. We need to sit down and have a gathering, reflecting on what the story is. We've got to gather our thoughts, and I think the communication system has to be a lot better for people because this country has so much potential."