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Following the recent election of new Social Democrats TD Daniel Ennis in the Dublin Central by-election, Social Democrats party leader Holly Cairns has today announced some changes to spokespeople roles among the parliamentary party. As part of these changes, Deputy Ennis has been appointed the party’s spokesperson on Children, Equality and Sport. Deputy Aidan Farrelly […]

The passage of the Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2026, also known as ‘Valerie’s Law’, through the Dáil today is a landmark step towards justice, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns said: “This legislation seeks to ensure that a parent convicted of killing the other parent does not automatically […]

Social Democrats party leader Holly Cairns has announced that she is expecting her second child. Deputy Cairns said: “I am so happy to announce that we are expecting our second child. Barry and I are so excited and feel extremely lucky to be able to raise our family in West Cork. “I have always said […]

“These by-election results have been monumental for the Social Democrats. They demonstrate the momentum for the party that we have seen since the general election is not just confined to opinion polls. It has now been reflected in polling booths. “Daniel Ennis ran an extraordinary campaign in Dublin Central, topping the poll and winning the […]

“To say this has been a good day for the Social Democrats is an understatement. This is a stunning result for Daniel – and is a testament to his hard work and hugely positive campaign. “Daniel ran an extremely energetic, hopeful and inclusive campaign which really resonated with voters. He is incredibly hard working, compassionate […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has said opposition to her abortion law reform legislation, from the Health Minister and Sinn Féin, is shocking and disappointing. Deputy Cairns said: “There are clear gaps in the abortion law that was introduced following the Repeal referendum which are having a negative impact on women. “That is not my […]

We were elected to ensure our laws are fit for purpose – and it is high time we got on with doing that job New legislation to amend our abortion law, and ensure women no longer have to travel when they receive a devastating diagnosis of fatal foetal abnormality, is being introduced in the Dáil […]

The Social Democrats have a very real opportunity to build on recent electoral successes in next month’s Dublin Central and Galway West by-elections, according to party leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns made her comments after the writs for the by-elections were moved last night, with polling day confirmed for Friday, May 22. She said: “I […]

Statement from Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns: “These protests are a manifestation of how desperate many people feel as costs continue to soar – not just for fuel, but for everything in this country. “People are increasingly struggling to pay for the basics – food, energy and housing – and the government is just not […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has criticised the Minister for Children’s response to the recent High Court ruling in relation to two institutions wrongly excluded from the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme. Deputy Cairns said: “The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme has been needlessly discriminatory since its inception, with 24,000 people excluded from […]