Ryan's use of racial slur threatens coalition efforts

Call for him to exit leadership contest67pc of Green councillors open to deal

Controversy: Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has upset some party members. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Hugh O'Connell, Cormac McQuinn and John Downing

Eamon Ryan's use of a racial slur has intensified the internal split in the Green Party that is destabilising efforts to form a government.

As talks between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Greens to finalise a programme for government continued late last night, Mr Ryan was facing calls to drop out of next month's leadership contest after he used the n-word during a debate on racism in Irish society.