Sane public right to replace leader (8)
I believe the answer is:
rational
'sane' is the definition.
(associated in meaning)
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rational that I've seen before include "Clearly thinking" , "Thinking logically" , "Logical; sensible" , "Logical, reasoned" , "Endowed with reason" .)