John Leahy wants to lead Renua Ireland

Offaly Renua Ireland Councillor John Leahy has announced his intention to contest the leadership of the party.

He denied reports of a rift in the party and explained that “under the constitution it clearly states that the leader has to be someone that is an elected representative.”

As Renua failed to return any TDs, a new party leader will have to be selected from its remaining elected representatives at the party’s AGM, which is expected to take place in September or October, he explained. “I have no problem stepping up to the mark, I believe in it,” Cllr Leahy remarked.

At the moment Renua is engaged in regional tours and in the process of conducting a post election review. Eddie Hobbs remains the party’s president, Lucinda Creighton is still the leader and Billy Timmons is still deputy leader.

Cllr Leahy said he has been with the party from the outset, “I know all the members. I have travelled the length and breadth of the country.” He was unhappy about the public perception of the party as right wing. “The way we were portrayed at the moment is way off,” said Cllr Leahy, who added, “I personally want to rectify that.”

Rural issues, crime, childcare, support for SMEs, the elderly and a taking a tough stance on crime are all areas where Cllr Leahy believes the party can make an impact. If successful in his leadership bid, he said his style would be more “low key” than Ms Creightons.

In relation to reports of a rift in the party, Cllr Leahy said “that’s not the case. That is crazy stuff, if there was a split I would tell you. There was no split.” He pointed out that he remains in regular contact with Ms Creighton.

Cllr Leahy admitted the general post election consensus was that he would have done better as an Independent. However, he asked how a government could run if everyone in the Dail was an Independent. While the new party route may be difficult, Cllr Leahy said, “I am willing to stand up and be counted, if it works out, it works out.”