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Meet Rory

I’m Rory Hearne, the Social Democrats TD for Dublin North-West.

I have been elected to replace Róisín Shortall TD, as your Social Democrats candidate for Dublin North-West.

My wife and I have lived on Dublin’s Northside for over 20 years. I’m a father of four children and I believe in an Ireland where every child can realise their full potential, where all children have a home, and a fair and sustainable future.

I have been a strong campaigner on the housing crisis in recent years, speaking up for the Locked-Out Generation. I’m an Associate Professor at Maynooth University with wide expertise in housing, homelessness, and social policy, and have written extensively on solutions to Ireland’s housing crisis.

I share Róisín’s vision for a society and economy that works for all. As a country, we have never had greater wealth and yet social crises worsen, from housing and homelessness to the cost of living, and inequality.

I am committed to working on behalf of the people of Dublin North-West to create a better, fairer Ireland. We need new solutions and new politics. The Social Democrats have the policies, people, and passion required to have a positive lasting impact on our community and country.

Rory’s Priorities

  • Housing – Solving the housing crisis for Generation Locked-Out and ending homelessness.
  • Public Services – Guaranteeing public services that work for everyone (healthcare, mental health, education, childcare, disability services, transport, community facilities).
  • Climate – Ensuring a sustainable future for all of our children through real climate action and investment in a socially just transition.
  • A Fair Transition – Ensure everyone benefits from the shift to a zero-carbon economy.
  • Peace and Justice – Advocate for peace and an end to the genocide in Gaza.

Latest News

Government must increase HAP limits on an emergency basis to avoid tsunami of homelessness

The government must increase Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) rates on an emergency basis to avoid a tsunami of homelessness, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The latest ‘Locked Out of the Market’ report from the Simon Communities of Ireland will come as a further blow […]

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Dark day for renters as government set to push through flawed Residential Tenancies Bill

The government’s Residential Tenancies Bill will push thousands more people into homelessness and make renting increasingly unviable, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The government’s intention to ram through this cruel and deeply flawed piece of legislation tonight represents a complete capitulation to large investor […]

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Short-term let u-turn will perpetuate housing shortages

The government’s dilution of short-term rental restrictions is a slap in the face for renters, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “The changes to regulations, that were agreed by coalition leaders last night on short-term lets, will now restrict new rules to towns with populations of more than 20,000 – […]

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