Green Party Deputy Leader Hazel Chu Advocates for Equality Post-Cancer Treatment

The newly elected deputy leader of the Green Party, Hazel Chu, has expressed her commitment to addressing discrimination and social justice shortly after completing her cancer treatment. Chu, who underwent surgery for breast cancer in September 2023 and finished radiation therapy before Christmas, described her decision to run for leadership as a challenging yet necessary step toward creating a more equitable society.

Personal Struggles Fuel Political Passion

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Chu reflected on her experience while receiving treatment at St Vincent’s hospital. She noted that conversations with fellow patients, some facing more severe health challenges, inspired her to advocate for broader social issues. “When you’re sitting in a waiting room… and talking to people who are far worse than you, you feel really lucky,” she stated.

Despite contemplating the ease of prioritizing her health and family over political ambitions, she felt a strong obligation to fight for equality. “I look at my daughter and… I’m concerned she might not grow up in an equal and fair society if there are not people to push for it,” she added, emphasizing the collective effort required to tackle these pressing issues.

A Vision for the Green Party’s Future

Chu, whose parents emigrated from Hong Kong, was originally elected as a councillor in 2019. She made history by becoming the first Green Party candidate elected in 2024, despite the party witnessing a significant reduction in its councillors. Looking ahead, Chu is determined to expedite the rebuilding process of the party, which suffered a decline from 2011 to 2020.

“The aim is to build back quicker,” she stated, noting that the current political and environmental landscape differs significantly from previous years. “We cannot revert to the slow growth strategy of 2011; the urgency of climate change demands a more radical and immediate approach.”

Chu criticized the current coalition government for what she termed “greenwashing,” claiming that the Green Party’s achievements in climate policy from 2020 to 2024 have been undermined. “Their actions have completely washed away our gains,” she asserted, suggesting a need for a renewed focus on environmental integrity and social justice.

As she embarks on this leadership role, Hazel Chu aims not only to strengthen the Green Party’s position but also to ensure that issues of discrimination and equality remain at the forefront of political discourse in Ireland.