John Leahy is an Irish auctioneer and independent politician, who has served as an Offaly County Councillor for the Birr area since 2009. Leahy also served as leader of Renua from 2016 to 2019.
John Leahy | |
|---|---|
| Leader of Renua | |
| In office 3 September 2016 – 11 June 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Lucinda Creighton |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Kelly (2024) |
| Offaly County Councillor | |
| Assumed office 6 June 2009 | |
| Constituency | Birr |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Kilcormac, County Offaly, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Political party | Independent (2009-2015; since 2019) |
| Other political affiliations | Renua (2015–2019) |
| Children | 2 |
Career
editLeahy was first elected to Offaly County Council in 2009 as an Independent, representing the Birr area. He was re-elected, topping the poll, in 2014.[1] Leahy joined Renua at its foundation in 2015 and stood unsuccessfully in the 2016 general election. He was eliminated on the fifth count with 6,588 votes. Leahy was elected leader of Renua on 3 September 2016, succeeding Lucinda Creighton.[2]
Prior to being leader of Renua, Leahy worked as a GAA Coaching and Games Promotion Officer,[3] he has also contributed as a hurling analyst on Midlands 103.[4]
Leahy voiced his support for the legalisation of prostitution in Ireland in an interview with Hot Press. In the same interview stated his belief that "all religions are equal" and spoke of losing his virginity (at the age of 21), along with other personal details of his life.[5]
Following Peter Casey's performance in the 2018 presidential election, there were reports that Leahy would step aside should Casey decide to join Renua. Leahy later clarified that "I’ve no plan to stand down," adding "but if he wants to come in and help out, I’ve no difficulties with that."[6] Leahy resigned from Renua in June 2019 following the party's poor performance in the local elections.[7]
He was an independent candidate for the Laois–Offaly constituency at the 2020 general election. He received 5% of the first preference vote and failed to be elected.
References
edit- ^ "John Leahy". ElectionsIreland.org. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
- ^ I am not unrealistic about the challenge I face: Meet the man trying to rebuild Renua thejournal.ie, 3 September 2016.
- ^ Renua Offaly Councillor John Leahy
- ^ John Leahy on Offaly v Galway Midlands 103 Sport, YouTube Channel.
- ^ "Prostitution Should Be Legalised & The "Silent Majority" Will Defeat 8th Amendment Referendum, warns Renua Ireland leader John Leahy". Hot Press. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
- ^ "Peter Casey must get elected if he wants Renua leadership". The Irish Times. 30 October 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2018.
- ^ Duffy, Rónán (11 June 2019). "Renua's leader quits the party, leaving it with no elected representatives". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 11 June 2019.