A former Green party senator has confirmed the existence of a deal to play musical chairs with its cabinet posts.

There’s been no official comment from within the party on the plans to have John Gormley stand down as a Minister to be replaced by another parliamentary party member – most likely Ciaran Cuffe.

Deirdre De Burca quit the Senate and her party membership last month, citing a loss of confidence in John Gormley as leader.

She says she was made aware of the ministerial rotation deal by former colleague Dan Boyle after she joined the parliamentary party.

“I was shocked to hear it, I had no idea why it had been agreed” she said.

“But I have to say it was never discussed again after that – there was no reference to it of any kind in the parliamentary party during my time in the parliamentary party up until very recent months”.

“Just coming up to Christmas it began to be discussed as something that would have to be dealt with” she added.