Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Orla Leyden has confirmed her intention to seek a nomination to run for Fianna Fáil in the next General Election.
The Castlecoote woman told the Roscommon People the time felt right and that she hopes to run as one of two Fianna Fáil candidates.
“When I spoke to the Roscommon People after my appointment as Cathaoirleach in June, I didn’t rule it out (running in the general election). In the last three and a half months I’ve taken part in something like 50 public engagements and this has made me realise that I want to continue making a contribution in both Co. Roscommon and nationally too,” she said.
Cllr. Leyden joins sitting Deputy Eugene Murphy, Cllr. John Keogh and Cllr. Michael Connolly (Galway) as confirmed convention candidates.
Cllr. Leyden added: “As Cathaoirleach I’ve realised I’m capable of managing the demands of family and political life. My support system has gathered around me; my husband and my daughter, Donata, who’s now ten, and of course my parents. Everyone has come on board and been really supportive.”
Asked what prompted her to make her move, Cllr. Leyden suggested a growing frustration with how a number of issues had been dealt with.
“I’ve been increasingly frustrated about a number of issues particularly the mental health report and of course the battle we’ve had (in Castlecoote) over wind energy.
“There are so many areas I feel I could improve as a TD but where I’m limited as a councillor.”
Cllr. Leyden said she was “very passionate about the county and politics in general” and while she hopes to see out her term as Cathaoirleach, the role has encouraged her to go further.
She added that she has received many messages of goodwill from around the county.
“I’m determined and there is an opening and while the time wasn’t right last time around, it is now.”
