News

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns met with a group of concerned north Dublin residents this weekend to see first-hand the devastation caused by ongoing coastal erosion in their area. The meeting took place on Portrane Beach, where coastal erosion has caused extensive damage to the dunes system and is posing a serious threat to several […]

The international community must hold Israel to account for the latest deaths of humanitarian aid workers in Gaza, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “At a time when Israel is embarking on a deliberate policy of forced starvation of the Gazan population, the senseless killing of seven aid workers attached to the World Central […]

The next Taoiseach should be elected by the people of Ireland, not Fine Gael, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns said: “A new Fine Gael leader will not change the fact that the writing is on the wall for this Government. “Throughout their 14 years in office, Fine Gael have failed to […]

Arts Minister Catherine Martin should stand in solidarity with Irish artists who have cancelled appearances at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Texas due to the event’s association with the US military and arms industry, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns said: “It is heartening to see a growing number of […]

Today’s referendum result is a direct consequence of a rushed and confused campaign by the Government, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. Deputy Cairns said: “The defeat of both the family and care referendums is the result of a rushed and confused campaign by the Government. “The Government delayed publishing the wording of both […]

Media Minister Catherine Martin has serious questions to answer about her own handling of the crisis in RTÉ, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “The Minister is claiming she was kept in the dark about exit packages agreed with senior RTÉ executives last year. If this is the case, then it is clear the […]

The Taoiseach has committed to ratifying the Optional Protocol for the UN Convention on the Rights of People With Disabilities in the term of this government – he must now provide a precise date, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “Last night, Minister for Disability Roderic O’Gorman said “Ireland is falling down in terms […]

I want to welcome you all here this evening to the Social Democrats Conference. I also want to warmly welcome the people watching at home on their TV and everyone tuning in on social media. Thank you, to my Deputy Leader, Cian O’Callaghan, for his kind introduction. Anyone who knows Cian will be aware that […]

The Government must outline how it intends to apply pressure to Israel to prevent a further slaughter in Rafah, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “The Tánaiste has been clear that a ground operation in Rafah – where nearly 1.5 million displaced people are sheltering – would constitute a war crime. I agree. The […]

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has welcomed confirmation that the Taoiseach has finally commenced discussions with other EU states on possible economic sanctions against Israel. “This is a welcome but overdue development. Since November last year, the Social Democrats have been calling for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which has an ‘essential elements’ […]