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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 rent laws at fault for yet another child homelessness record

Record-high homelessness has resulted from record-high evictions, all of which can be traced back to disastrous Government housing policies, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “Today’s figures show there were a record 17,548 people living in homeless emergency accommodation at the end of April. Shockingly, 5,604 of them are children, […]

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Tone-deaf IRES praise of rental law changes shows Government priorities are warped

It’s never been clearer that the Government is writing housing policy to appease corporate landlords and investor funds, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “This morning’s statement from IRES, the State’s largest corporate landlord, makes for sickening reading. The REIT’s brazen profiteering against the backdrop of over 17,000 people in […]

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Impact of new rent rules has been catastrophic

The disastrous impact of the government’s new rent rules is revealed today as rents surge at the highest rate in 25 years, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said. “This report makes for grim reading – especially for those who are desperately trying to find a home to rent. “The impact […]

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