News

Adults with eating disorders have been abandoned by the Government, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “There are just three public hospital beds in the country for the treatment of eating disorders in adults – all of them in St Vincent’s in Dublin. This is despite a Government commitment, when Simon Harris was Minister […]

The intimidation and harassment of politicians by so-called protesters must be met with a robust policing response, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “The alarming scenes we witnessed last night outside the home of Minister Roderic O’Gorman must not be allowed to continue. “It is concerning that no apparent action was taken by gardaí […]

The harrowing RTÉ Investigates programme into our abortion services is further evidence of the urgent need to reform the law, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “The RTÉ Investigates programme into our abortion services was difficult to watch. Six years after the Repeal vote, we are still failing women who are being forced to […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has welcomed the Government’s decision to abandon its controversial Green Paper proposals on overhauling the system for disability payments. Deputy Cairns, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “The proposals in Minister Humphreys’ Green Paper were ill-judged and highly insulting to disabled people. “It should therefore come as little […]

The Social Democrats have selected a candidate for the European Elections in Ireland South – the first time the party will contest an election in that constituency. At a selection convention today, April 10, Cork-based solicitor Susan Doyle was selected by the party as their candidate. Speaking after her selection this evening, Susan said: “I […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns met with a group of concerned north Dublin residents this weekend to see first-hand the devastation caused by ongoing coastal erosion in their area. The meeting took place on Portrane Beach, where coastal erosion has caused extensive damage to the dunes system and is posing a serious threat to several […]

The international community must hold Israel to account for the latest deaths of humanitarian aid workers in Gaza, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “At a time when Israel is embarking on a deliberate policy of forced starvation of the Gazan population, the senseless killing of seven aid workers attached to the World Central […]

The next Taoiseach should be elected by the people of Ireland, not Fine Gael, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns said: “A new Fine Gael leader will not change the fact that the writing is on the wall for this Government. “Throughout their 14 years in office, Fine Gael have failed to […]

Arts Minister Catherine Martin should stand in solidarity with Irish artists who have cancelled appearances at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Texas due to the event’s association with the US military and arms industry, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns said: “It is heartening to see a growing number of […]

Today’s referendum result is a direct consequence of a rushed and confused campaign by the Government, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns said: “The defeat of both the family and care referendums is the result of a rushed and confused campaign by the Government. “The Government delayed publishing the wording of both […]