A Green Party TD has claimed the proposed programme for government could make homelessness worse.
Neasa Hourigan has strongly argued against the deal - saying the Greens shouldn't be afraid to miss the boat, because it could be the Titanic.
Party leadership Eamon Ryan and Catherine Martin strongly backed the programme at a video conference today, as members prepare to vote on the deal in a postal ballot.
However, Dublin Central TD Neasa Hourigan said she was too concerned about the housing and financial aspects of the deal.
"If you can say I care about homelessness....BUT... then maybe you should vote for this deal" says Neasa Hourigan. They have to decide whether climate gains are worth sacrifices
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) June 18, 2020
She said: "Every child, every person should have a secure and safe home to go too.
"I'm not voting against this because I don't think it will solve the housing crisis - I'm voting against it because I think this document will make homelessness worse.
"There is no rent control, no ban on evictions due to sale... but there is an overarching commitment to private home ownership without locking in how truly affordable housing could be achieved."
Deputy Hourgian said she's heard 'miss the boat' arguments, encouraging the Greens to enter government and give it their best shot.
She told members: "I think it's a fair comment and fair question.
"We might miss the boat here, but this boat might be the Titanic - and people might drown."
She also suggested the proposed coalition would be the "most fiscally conservative government in a generation".
Two-thirds of Green Party members will need to approve the proposal, with the results of a postal ballot expected in a week's time.
