News

A directly-elected Dublin mayor with vision – and executive powers – is needed more than ever  Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has renewed his call for a directly-elected mayor for the capital after it emerged that Dublin City Council has yet to appoint a permanent replacement for its outgoing chief executive Owen Keegan. Deputy Gannon, […]

Dereliction, heavily littered streets and poor lighting are making our capital city feel unsafe Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has called for a multi-agency response to unacceptable levels of violent assaults in Dublin city centre. Deputy Gannon, who represents Dublin Central, said: “Last weekend’s unprovoked attack on Ukrainian actor Oleksandr Hrekov on Eden Quay is […]

The monopoly control of the Catholic Church on our primary schools is a relic from another era The Education Minister must review the school divestment programme after the Census revealed a sharp drop in the number of people who call themselves Catholic, according to Social Democrats Education Spokesperson Gary Gannon. “The Census has revealed that the […]

Figures show that almost 60 per cent of family military accommodation is unoccupied  Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has called on the Government to reconsider its policy of not providing military family accommodation to members of the Defence Forces. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson on Defence, said: “I was prompted to raise this […]

Putting games behind a paywall is a slap in the face for GAA’s dedicated volunteers and supporters There must be full transparency behind the process for selecting GAA games for pay-per-view, according to Social Democrats sports spokesperson Gary Gannon. “There is growing disquiet over high-profile games – such as last weekend’s Munster Senior Hurling Championship […]

TDs urged to support Gary Gannon’s amendment to Government motion today The proposed deployment of an Irish Naval Service vessel to the Mediterranean as part of an EU mission must prioritise providing assistance to persons in distress at sea, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson on Defence, […]

State’s law and order response to drug addiction has been a catastrophic failure Solutions to crime can only be found if the Government tackles the underlying causes of poverty and deprivation, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who represents Dublin Central, made his comments as statements on organised crime were heard in […]

Social Democrats previously called for review of Professional Master of Education course to help increase the supply of teachers  Schools will continue to experience serious teacher shortages when the new term begins next September if the Minister for Education fails to address the ongoing recruitment crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, […]

US President’s visit a reminder of our countries’ close ties and shared history This week’s visit by President Biden continues a long tradition of friendship and partnership between Ireland and the people of the United States of America, according to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “Mr Biden will be the fourth US President to address […]

Recommendations must now be implemented without delay The pattern of shameful behaviour identified in the report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality Issues in the Defence Forces must never be allowed happen again, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson on Defence, said: “Today’s report […]