McHugh: I’d quit Greens if they got into bed with FF or FG

Saoirse McHugh, a first-time candidate, has emerged as one of the Green Party’s biggest successes of the election

System change needed: Saoirse McHugh at the Castlebar count centre in Co Mayo Michael McLaughlin

Green Party European election candidate Saoirse McHugh has said she would quit the party if it went into coalition with Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael.

McHugh, a first-time candidate, has emerged as one of her party’s biggest successes of the election.

She commanded a surprising 12 per cent share of the RedC/TG4 exit poll in the Midlands-North West constituency and early tallies from Castlebar yesterday gave her 13 per cent of first preferences.