Hazel Chu elected cathaoirleach of The Green Party

Dublin city Councillor Hazel Chu has been elected as the new cathaoirleach of The Green Party.

Councillor Chu takes up the role following a vote of party members and succeeds Roderic O'Gorman as chair.

The election was done by a postal ballot, with roughly half of all full members taking part.

Councillor Chu came narrowly ahead of Councillor Pauline O'Reilly, the party's general election candidate for Galway-West.

Speaking following the count, Ms Chu said: "I'm delighted to take up the role of cathaoirleach of The Green Party.

"I believe that The Green Party will have a growing influence in Irish politics in the years ahead and I'm keen that we prepare for that.

"I want to help get the party ready for the upcoming general election, I want to help develop new branches of the party, and I want to help support new candidates.

"As climate breakdown, environmental pollution, and inequality emerge as the issues of our time The Green Party are uniquely placed to contribute to Ireland's future.

"I want to make sure we are ready, as an organisation, to compete right across the country and build support."

She also thanked Ms O'Reilly "who ran a fantastic campaign".

She added: "I want to focus now on getting Pauline elected as a TD for Galway West."

"Last but not least, I want to thank the members for their support and for participating in such high numbers in this important party decision."

Ms Chu is a Dublin city councillor for the Pembroke area.

She trained as a barrister and has led communications for some of Ireland's best-known brands.

She co-founded the campaign group Mothers4Climate, has a column in the Business Post and is a regular contributor on Newstalk, Virgin Media and RTÉ radio.