Sheilagh O'Leary bows out of NDP leadership
Former St. John's city councillor Sheilagh O'Leary says she will not pursue the provincial New Democratic Party leadership.
O'Leary, a long-time NDP supporter and a failed candidate in last year's Virginia Waters byelection, made the announcement via Twitter on Thursday afternoon.
She said she is "thankful to the many for the vote of confidence."
"I am humbled," O'Leary tweeted.
Speaking later with CBC News, O'Leary added, "My true passion really is municipal politics."
Lorraine Michael, who has led the party since 2006, announced on Tuesday that she would be stepping down as leader when a successor is picked. Michael has led the party since 2006.
MHAs Gerry Rogers and George Murphy have not ruled out leadership bids, although each was cautious earlier this week about entering the race.
O'Leary told CBC News that she hopes Rogers launches a leadership bid, and that she supports her 100 per cent.
Meanwhile, Ryan Cleary, the New Democratic MP for St. John's South-Mount Pearl, said earlier this week that he is weighing his options.
Earle McCurdy, former president of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers union, has also said he is considering a leadership bid.