News

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 […]

Media Minister Catherine Martin has serious questions to answer about her own handling of the crisis in RTÉ, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “The Minister is claiming she was kept in the dark about exit packages agreed with senior RTÉ executives last year. If this is the case, then it is clear the […]

The Taoiseach has committed to ratifying the Optional Protocol for the UN Convention on the Rights of People With Disabilities in the term of this government – he must now provide a precise date, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “Last night, Minister for Disability Roderic O’Gorman said “Ireland is falling down in terms […]

I want to welcome you all here this evening to the Social Democrats Conference. I also want to warmly welcome the people watching at home on their TV and everyone tuning in on social media. Thank you, to my Deputy Leader, Cian O’Callaghan, for his kind introduction. Anyone who knows Cian will be aware that […]

The Government must outline how it intends to apply pressure to Israel to prevent a further slaughter in Rafah, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “The Tánaiste has been clear that a ground operation in Rafah – where nearly 1.5 million displaced people are sheltering – would constitute a war crime. I agree. The […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has welcomed confirmation that the Taoiseach has finally commenced discussions with other EU states on possible economic sanctions against Israel. “This is a welcome but overdue development. Since November last year, the Social Democrats have been calling for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which has an ‘essential elements’ […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has welcomed today’s decision by the International Court of Justice, calling it a landmark ruling that must be a turning point to end the violence. “Today’s landmark ruling by the ICJ is a clear win for South Africa and must be a turning point in this horrific conflict. “Significantly, the […]

The Government must not evade its obligation under the Genocide Convention to act to prevent a genocide in Gaza, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “The level of death and devastation in Gaza is unparalleled and unprecedented in modern times. Civilians are being killed and maimed in their tens of thousands, while the western […]

The Social Democrats will introduce a Dáil motion next week (Wednesday, January 24) calling on the Irish Government to support South Africa’s case against Israel under the Genocide Convention in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Party leader Holly Cairns said: “We cannot stand idly by while the daily slaughter of innocent civilians in Gaza […]