Ex-Limerick TD Steps Down from Party in Opposition to Catherine Connolly Endorsement

Brian Leddin, the former Green Party TD for Limerick City, has officially resigned from the party. His resignation follows the party’s endorsement of independent presidential candidate Catherine Connolly. Leddin voiced his concerns about the Green Party’s current trajectory in an opinion piece published in the Irish Times.

Reasons for Resignation

Leddin expressed that the party’s support of Connolly signifies a shift in its direction that he finds troubling. He suggested that party leader Roderic O’Gorman aims to position the Green Party alongside Labour, Sinn Féin, and the Social Democrats. However, Leddin believes the party should also focus on attracting votes from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, as they successfully did in the 2019 and 2020 elections.

He criticized the party’s strategy, arguing that it risks alienating a significant portion of the electorate and the party membership itself. According to Leddin, the Green Party should have considered proposing its own candidate, even acknowledging the slim chances of securing a nomination.

Catherine Connolly’s Candidacy

Leddin commented on Connolly’s suitability for the presidential role. He stated that a president must prioritize serving the state rather than opposing the government. He raised concerns over her record of opposing government decisions and expressed doubt about her ability to set aside her political views if elected.

• Criticism of the European Union and the US
• Views on the Ukraine war
• Position on the Triple Lock policy

Leddin pointed out that Connolly’s past actions, such as employing someone with a serious conviction in firearms offenses, should be a disqualifier for the presidency. He highlighted that this individual was employed by Connolly in 2018 and later signed into Leinster House prior to being vetted.

Concluding Remarks

Reflecting on his resignation, Leddin stated, “As things stand, the Green Party is not one that I would join.” He acknowledges the achievements of the Greens in government but feels disconnected from the party’s current direction. As a voter, he has decided to support Heather Humphreys in the upcoming presidential election.