New cathaoirleach in Wicklow says politics ‘is for everybody’ as she talks about anxiety and public life
The Wicklow PeopleNew cathaoirleach Peir Leonard has said that politics “is for everybody” as she spoke candidly about living with anxiety and stepping into one of the district’s most visible public roles.
Her remarks came as Arklow’s district councillors marked a new chapter in local leadership at their annual general meeting, where Cllr Leonard was elected unopposed and Cllr Sylvester Bourke was named Leas‑Cathaoirleach.
The transition began with outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Miriam Murphy, delivering a heartfelt address reflecting on her year in office.
She spoke of a “deep sense of gratitude and pride” in wearing the chain, emphasising the honour of representing the district and the privilege of working closely with its people.
Cathaoirleach of the Arklow Municipal District Cllr Miriam Murphy presents Brendan Dillon of the Arklow Heritage Museum with the Cathaoirleach's Award in the Arklow Bay Hotel, Arklow. Photo Michael Kelly
One of the standout moments of her term, she said, was the Michael Dwyer 200-year commemoration held last August, an event that brought history, community, and civic pride together in a meaningful way.
Cllr Murphy paid a series of warm tributes to the people of Arklow, acknowledging the countless community members who contribute quietly and consistently to the town’s wellbeing.
She also praised her fellow councillors for their shared commitment to improving the lives of those they represent.
“We may differ at times,” she noted, “but our common purpose is always the betterment of this district.”
Her speech included personal acknowledgements as well. She thanked her family and friends for their unwavering support throughout her term, and she offered specific praise to colleagues.
Cllr Sylvester Bourke, she said, had done “an excellent job” and carried out his duties with fairness and professionalism.
Cllr Pat Kennedy spoke with particular admiration for Cllr Murphy, commending her distinction, resilience, and tireless work for the district. “She has set the bar high for others to look up to,” he added.
As a fellow woman in public life, Cllr Leonard said she held “huge admiration” for Cllr Murphy’s leadership, especially given the personal challenges she has faced over the past year.
These challenges include the death of her husband Paul Madigan in April 2025.
District manager Leonora Earls also expressed her thanks to Cllr Murphy, describing her as courteous, empathetic, and deeply loyal to the people of Arklow. With a light‑hearted note, she remarked that Cllr Murphy was “not going anywhere,” and that she looked forward to continuing their work together.
The elected members of Arklow Municipal District Cllr Pat Fitzgerald, Cllr Pat Kennedy, Cllr Miriam Murphy and Cllr Warren O’Toole, Cllr Sylvester Bourke and Cllr Peir Leonard. © Wicklow County Council
With the formal conclusion of Cllr Murphy’s term, the meeting moved to the election of the new cathaoirleach.
Cllr Warren O’Toole proposed Cllr Peir Leonard, describing her as “community by heart, community by spirit,” a sentiment seconded by Cllr Sylvester Bourke. The nomination was carried, and Cllr Leonard accepted the chain of office in what she described as a “very proud day” for herself and her family.
In her acceptance speech, Cllr Leonard spoke candidly about her background and motivations. Coming from a fishing family in Arklow, she said her roots in the town run deep. She entered local politics, she explained, with a clear goal: to secure an arts centre for Arklow.
Cllr Leonard also addressed the personal challenges of public life, openly acknowledging that she suffers from anxiety. Taking on a role of such visibility and responsibility, she said, is not easy.
But she emphasised that politics “is for everybody” and should never be a path closed off to those who wish to serve. Her remarks were met with strong support from colleagues, who praised her honesty and determination.
She reflected on the often unseen nature of political work, noting that “a lot of the wins happen behind the scenes,” far from public view. She pledged to work collaboratively with all councillors in the year ahead, stressing that collective effort is essential to delivering for the district.
The election of the Leas‑Cathaoirleach followed, with Cllr Pat Fitzgerald proposing Cllr Sylvester Bourke, seconded by Cllr Murphy. The nomination was successful. Cllr O’Toole, who had been nominated by Cllr Leonard, declined the nomination.
In a social media post following the meeting, Cllr Leonard expressed her gratitude to her colleagues and the community, writing that she was “genuinely looking forward” to working with Cllr Bourke, the full council, and district staff.
She also thanked Cllr Murphy for her service and paid tribute to her own family, friends, and the wider community, saying: “You drive me on trying to change things for the better. I couldn’t do this job without you.”
The chain of office was originally designed by local master goldsmith John Swan, with annual engravings carried out by Powers Jewellers. © Facebook
Cllr Leonard also shared a piece of local heritage connected to her new role: the chain of office she now wears was originally designed by local master goldsmith John Swan, with annual engravings carried out by Powers Jewellers.
The chain bears the Arklow Crest, a symbol rich in meaning. Certified in 1956, the crest features a Viking ship with a raven on its sail, representing the town’s Norse origins, a salmon, symbolising Arklow’s fishing tradition;,and a potter’s wheel, recalling the once‑thriving pottery industry.
Its motto, Maoin na mara ár muinighin - ‘Our hope lies in the riches of the sea’ - speaks to the town’s enduring relationship with the water that surrounds it.
As the meeting concluded, the tone was one of optimism and shared purpose. With new leadership in place and a renewed commitment to collaboration, councillors expressed confidence that the coming year would bring progress for Arklow and its people.