Brian Leddin Explains Resignation from Green Party Amid Support for Catherine Connolly

Brian Leddin has announced his resignation from the Green Party, citing concerns over the party’s current direction and its support for Catherine Connolly’s presidential campaign.
Concerns Over Party’s Direction
Leddin served as a Green Party TD for Limerick City from 2020 to 2024. He expressed discontent with the party’s shift away from environmental issues toward broader social concerns.
The party’s recent endorsement of Connolly is part of a strategy by some leaders, including Roderic O’Gorman, to compete with Labour, Sinn Féin, and the Social Democrats. Leddin argues that this also includes attracting votes from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.
Critique of Connolly’s Candidacy
- Connolly has a long history as an Opposition TD and city councillor in Galway.
- Leddin questions her capacity to transition from an opposition role to a more neutral presidential position.
- He highlighted her past political positions and actions, including her employment of a person with a serious criminal record.
Leddin believes that Connolly’s strong political opinions will not allow her to adequately fulfill the nonpartisan duties of a president. He raises concerns about how she would manage the obligations of the presidency while holding her political views.
A Call for Focus on Environmental Issues
Leddin urges the Green Party to refocus on its core mission: addressing environmental degradation and climate change. He feels the party risks losing relevance by aligning itself with far-left candidates and excluding essential environmental discussions from the political discourse.
Alternatives for the Green Party
- The party could have proposed its own candidate, despite slim chances of nomination.
- Another option could have been to sit out the presidential race to focus on rebuilding after recent electoral setbacks.
Despite his resignation, Leddin remains proud of the achievements made by the Green Party during his tenure. He expressed hope for the party’s future direction, emphasizing a return to prioritizing environmental issues.
Ultimately, Leddin will cast his vote for Heather Humphreys in the upcoming presidential election.