Cllr john leahy to join new political party

Independent Councillor John Leahy has aligned himself with a new political party being formed by former Fine Gael TD Lucinda Creighton. 

Cllr Leahy appeared alongside well-known economist and businessman Eddie Hobbs and Deputy Creighton as she announced her intention to form a new polictical party in Dublin on Friday. 

Deputy Creighton promised a fresh approach to politics and said the yet to be named party wants to 'radically change' how the country is run. 'We want a Government that serves the people,' she remarked. 

The founding principals of the new party are:

1. Building an economy for entrepreneurs across the social, private and public sectors

2. Make the public sector public

3. Giving politics back to the people

4. Measuring Government with a clear social target 

Cllr Leahy topped the polls in the Birr electoral area when he ran as an Independent in the local elections last May. He spoke passionately about why he believes that those in rural Ireland are being left behind and why he wants to advocate on their behalf during Friday's launch. 

'I like many others amongst this new political movement see the demise of rural Ireland unfold before our very eyes.  A modern Ireland should be proud of its rural tradition,' he commented. 

Cllr Leahy said 'this new movement will embrace the views of those in rural Ireland. We will act on the issue of rural demise in a focused and determined manner. We see it as our responsibility to create a rural Ireland which we can all be proud of.'

The party will be launched in the spring and Deputy Creighton will attend public meetings around the country to listen to opinions, seek contributions to policy formation and recruit people to get involved.  More information on the party can be found at rebootireland.com