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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 infrastructure plan devoid of housing solutions

Government decisions are a core barrier to the development of the infrastructure essential for housing provision, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “The Government is trying to ignore that it has been decades of underinvestment, poor delivery, management and planning by successive Fianna Fail and Fine Gael governments that has […]

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Homelessness continues to reach record highs one year on from general election

The government is continuing to ignore proposals that would deliver homes in favour of the same old doomed policies, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “One year ago, on the day of General Election 2024, the number of people in emergency accommodation was 14,996. That figure today is 16,766. “Shockingly, […]

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Government’s rent changes have resulted in tsunami of evictions

The government’s new tenancy rules have created massive uncertainty in the rental market and resulted in a tsunami of evictions, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The latest data from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) shows that rents are continuing to rise while the number […]

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