"I am the party they are turning to."
Adriane Carr, October 27, 2004, Global TV

On the eve of the Surrey-Panorama Ridge by-election, Global TV broadcast last minute comments from the campaigns. The comment from Green Party Leader Adriane Carr may have been a slip of the tongue, but "I am the party …" is the focus of concern for many unhappy Greens. Despite the power of party leaders, if Carole James or Gordon Campbell said "I am the party …", they could probably consider their political careers over.

Carr received a lot of criticism for dumping on the Citizens' Assembly within minutes of their decision. I agree with many of her remarks on problems with Ireland's voting system, but a political leader needs to consult rather than provide instant analysis.

Carr took a major gamble by running in the by-election. She may end up faulted for electing a Campbell Liberal; the first government victory in 21 years. She may end up winning less than the 8.8% of the vote her party received in 2001. Either outcome could spell disaster for the Greens in May 2005 as the by-election is interpreted to her disadvantage. Few other than Carr believe that she can win the by-election, but many believe she can end the brief flirtation the Greens have had as the "none-of-the-above-party".