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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 […]

Statement from Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns on the party’s general election results: “With the Social Democrats set to make historic gains throughout the country in this election, this has been a monumental week for me, both personally and politically. “Our success in this election is down to the calibre of our candidates and the […]

The Soc Dems have made the appointment of a senior minister for disability a dealbreaker for government formation talks Disabled people, their families and workers in the sector have all been failed by the outgoing government, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “A woman who met Simon Harris on the campaign trail was upset […]

There is an arrogance in the government parties thinking they have this election sewn up The Social Democrats have today launched their general election campaign with party leader Holly Cairns outlining the party’s dealbreakers for entering government. Speaking at the event, Cairns said: “The first thing I want to be clear about today – is […]

A major hotel in Dublin, charging exorbitant rates for rooms, cannot and should not be compared to a small cafe in West Cork Hospitality should be split between accommodation and food with a 9% VAT rate applying to food and beverages, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns said: “Small hospitality businesses are […]

Statement from Holly Cairns TD on the start of the election campaign “Elections are about the future. They are a choice about the kind of country we want to live in. “The Social Democrats want a future where every person can thrive and every community flourish. “That future starts with prioritising what is important: affordable […]