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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

Removal of annual targets from housing plan shows government has no confidence in it

The removal of annual targets from the government’s housing plan shows they have no confidence in it, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “This latest housing plan from this government is even worse than I had feared. No new ideas, no ambition – not even any annual targets. “The removal […]

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Only an eviction ban can slow the unbridled rise in homelessness

A deaf ear is being turned by the government to those suffering from the plight of homelessness, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “The homelessness crisis is undeniable – my office receives a vast volume of representation requests every day from people who are in or at immediate risk of […]

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Government plan to allow developers provide wastewater infrastructure is fraught with danger

The Minister for Housing’s plan to allow private developers directly deliver wastewater infrastructure would amount to an abdication of responsibility by the government, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “I have serious concerns about this proposal, which would see Uisce Éireann facilitate the development of […]

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