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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

Family of Dublin man detained in Israel appeals for information

The Irish Government must do all it can to get detainees from the Sumud flotilla released from prison in Israel, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, a TD for Dublin North West said: “One of my constituents Diarmuid Mac Dubhghlais was abducted illegally by Israel when he was aboard the global Sumud […]

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Government must embrace modern construction methods to turbocharge housing delivery

The government must act on the recommendations of a new report which found that using more standardised housing designs and modern methods of construction could slash homebuilding costs by up to an eighth, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The conclusions of this study, commissioned […]

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Developer profits must be transparent if housing delivery and affordability issues are to be addressed

The Developer Profit Transparency Bill 2025, if passed, would unpack the reasons why housing delivery is stunted in Ireland, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “The aim of the bill is to shed light on the profit levels of developers who benefit from government housing schemes and subsidies – it’s […]

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