FORMER GREEN PARTY leader Trevor Sargent is set to become a minister of the faith in the Church of Ireland.
In an interview with today’s Irish Independent Review magazine, Sargent confirms that he is training as an ordinand at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute, while simultaneously studying for a Theology Masters at Trinity College Dublin.
Should all go to plan, Sargent would first become a deacon before then ascending to the priesthood.
Sargent led the Green Party for six years between 2001 and 2007. He served as Minister for Horticulture in the following government before losing his seat in Dublin North in the 2011 election.
He now lives in Wexford where he works in organic horticulture.
Today, current Greens leader Eamon Ryan said that he is “thrilled” for his former colleague.
“As a friend and colleague, I’m thrilled for Trevor,” he said this afternoon.
I think it’s a natural fit for him, it’s not a surprise. I think it’ll be great for him.
Ryan added that the party, whom Sargent continues to informally advise as a committed environmentalist, were aware of the direction he was taking.
“We knew of his interest in theology and the Church of Ireland of course,” he said.
I think there’s a connection there, between green politics and a certain kind of spirituality. It makes a lot of sense for Trevor, and I’m thrilled for him.
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