News

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has called on the Taoiseach to urgently clarify if it is still official government policy to co-locate the Rotunda with Connolly Hospital, as envisaged in the 2016 National Maternity Strategy. Deputy Cairns said: “A €100 million critical care unit at the Rotunda Hospital was supposed to be a gamechanger for […]

Hi everyone, Welcome to the Social Democrats Conference, coming to you live from Cork City. It is so good to be here and to see all of you. I also want to welcome everyone tuning in at home. Thank you Cian, for your introduction. I’ve said it before and I’ll … never stop saying it, […]

The Social Democrats’ seventh National Conference takes place in Cork this weekend (February 6&7) at a time of significant growth for the party. Speaking ahead of this evening’s programme – which will close with a keynote address by the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid – party leader Holly Cairns said: “This is […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has paid tribute to young disability campaigner Cara Darmody ahead of a cross-party Opposition motion on Assessments of Needs (AONs), which will be debated in the Dáil this evening. Deputy Cairns said: “Through her tireless advocacy on behalf of her two younger brothers, Cara has helped keep the spotlight on […]

“Today’s historic visit by President Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska provides the people of Ireland with a timely opportunity to reaffirm our solidarity with the citizens of Ukraine. “It’s now approaching four years since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine began. With the country under relentless attack from Putin’s murderous regime, the Ukrainian people have […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has paid tribute to social justice campaigner Sr Stanislaus Kennedy who passed away this morning. Deputy Cairns said: “For decades, Sr Stan was a tireless campaigner and advocate for some of the most marginalised people in our society, from the homeless to members of the migrant community. “Through her work […]

“I would like to send the biggest congratulations to Catherine on her resounding election victory, which is a seismic moment in our history. “Catherine is someone I have admired since I was first elected to the Dáil, not least because her values so closely align with those of the Social Democrats. I will always be […]

“Fine Gael sunk to new depths at the weekend with their presidential candidate attacking Catherine Connolly’s work as a barrister and the party putting out a Trumpian social media attack ad on the same issue. “It is an essential principle of our legal system that barristers are not associated with their clients and that barristers […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has today announced an update in spokespeople roles in the parliamentary party. Deputy Cairns said: “Today, I am announcing an update to spokespeople roles – namely that Deputy Eoin Hayes will be our Social Protection spokesperson. “I know Deputy Hayes will work hard in this brief, on behalf of some […]

Responding to comments made by Fine Gael Minister Jennifer Carrol MacNeill earlier, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said: “Minister Carroll MacNeill’s statement should be seen for the desperate distraction attempt that it is. “It is genuinely disappointing to see a senior government minister reduced to cheap negative campaigning. “From my own experience of campaigning with […]