Will not contest 2024 election
One of the most recognisable and experienced county councillors in Roscommon of the past couple of decades has announced her intention to withdraw from local politics.
Fianna Fáil County Councillor Orla Leyden has confirmed that she will not be contesting the 2024 local elections. She will continue as a councillor until May of 2024.
Cllr. Leyden, who said she wants to give herself time to “pursue other interests”, has not ruled out a future political run.
In a press statement, Cllr. Leyden said she will not be contesting the forthcoming Local Election in 2024 and as a result will not be allowing her name to go forward to the Fianna Fáil Selection Convention. Nominations for the convention are currently open and will close at 5 pm on Thursday, 23rd March, 2023.
Cllr. Leyden was first elected to Roscommon County Council in 2004 and re-elected in 2009, 2014 and 2019. She has served in the Mid Roscommon Electoral Area and the Roscommon Municipal District. She was Leas-Cathaoirleach on two occasions and was Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council in 2017-2018.
She said that it has been a great honour to be a public representative since 2004.
Cllr Leyden added: “I thank all of the people that put their confidence in me. I have always worked in the best public interest, fought hard, advocated strongly and always tried to be a kind and supportive person to turn to. I have been really fortunate to get to know so many lovely people throughout the county during my time as a public representative.
“Roscommon is a beautiful and heritage-rich county with great community spirit and kind people that look out for each other. It is a great place to live, with a fantastic quality of life. I am glad to have been able to play my part as a county councillor to improve and enhance Roscommon.
“I would like to thank the Fianna Fáil party for placing their confidence in me as a public representative over this time and I would like to thank my supporters, campaign team, my extended family, my siblings, parents Mary and Terry and my incredibly supportive husband Pablo and daughter Donata Maria for all their love, support and understanding. I would also like to thank my colleagues on Roscommon County Council, former county councillors that I worked with, the Council executive, and all of the hard-working staff throughout the organisation.
“I will continue as a county councillor until May 2024 fulfilling my five-year mandate. There are a number of projects which I have been actively pursuing that I want to see to fruition. And then I will give myself the time to pursue other interests. Who knows what the future holds. For the moment, I like it that way. And after nearly twenty years in politics I have learned the political maxim, never say never! And I do not, at this point, rule out a future role in political life”.
