Holly Cairns

In an unprecedented situation in Irish politics, the party leader is due to give birth just days before the general election

Election 2024: Sinn Féin cannot be ruled out in this sprawling rural constituency

Labour sets out six ‘key missions’ party will have if part of next government, relating to issues including housing, climate and health

The shameful and eternal truth about the Irish left is that as long as it stands apart, it falls apart

The Social Democrats leader says a Minister for Disability is the party’s first red line in any government negotiations

Incident took place overnight, spanning some 25km across Cork South-West constituency from Innishannon to Clonakilty

Three taoisigh, five budgets and a global pandemic: in unprecedented times it was a government like no other

The number of seats has risen from 160 to 174, and the only certainty is that there will be plenty of skirmishes and subplots in the electoral battle

Tánaiste says it is ‘reprehensible’ for Social Democrats to accuse Government of being ‘complicit in genocide’

Sinn Féin operating similar schools initiative in Northern Ireland but Taoiseach Simon Harris claims it costs ‘a hell of a lot more’

Opposition raise claims Government warned by US ambassador of ‘consequences’ if legislation is passed

From public transport and homelessness to flooding and small businesses, there’s a long list of concerns in west Cork

When election candidates coming knocking at your door, will you speak for the children so badly let down by the State?

‘Twin-track’ system would use budget surpluses to buy existing childcare businesses and build new facilities

In recent polls, a coalition of left parties has 28 per cent of the vote in the capital compared with 13 per cent for Sinn Féin

Social Democrats leader says creation of post ‘very clear deal breaker’ in any future programme for government

Simon Harris, Micheál Martin, Holly Cairns and others reply to letters from students and recent graduates on the key issues they face today

Labour leader says Sinn Féin’s call for restrictions on housing scheme amount to ‘new low in political vernacular’

Party will run as many candidates as possible in the coming general election with names selected for about half of constituencies

Housing, health and that controversial €336,000 Leinster House bike shelter are among hot-button issues being raised on doorsteps by constituents

Football match on another channel boots Social Democrats down to just 9,000 viewers in 2022

Social Democrats leader says: ‘Coarsening debate around immigration is leading to increased attacks on migrant communities’

Social Democrats leader introduces Dáil motion on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and calls for regulation of ‘wild west’ counselling sector

Catherine Murphy and Róisín Shortall, two of the founders of the Social Democrats, take a bow as the third founder hides in plain sight

TDs announce they will not stand for re-election, saying it is ‘time for a new generation to take over’

Social Democrats leader tells Dáil total number of children and teenagers on list for Cork and Kerry now tops 5,000

Simon Harris made no secret of his anger at the way Natasha O’Brien had been treated. Might he really do something? He certainly talks the talk

Tánaiste hits out at ‘little Englander’ mentality of those aspiring to ‘some mythical purity’ in Ireland

Taoiseach says domestic abuse has become ‘absolute priority’ since Minister for Justice Helen McEntee addressed issue

Sinn Féin must present voters with a left-wing coalition option to stay true to its message of ‘change’

Social Democrats leader announces pregnancy after suffering miscarriages, as plans made for Cian O'Callaghan to step in during leave period

Fergus Finlay, an adviser to former Labour leader Dick Spring, said he was surprised at the ‘animosity’ to the idea of merging from the Social Democrats

Experts in behavioral psychology examine a selection of posters from the campaign trail to reveal hidden meanings

Numbers waiting for primary care psychology services in Cork are ‘staggering’, says Social Democrats leader

Holly Cairns to complain to State broadcaster over omission of Rory Hearne and Susan Doyle from televised European vote debates

Social Democrats TD enlightens Minister for Health about nicotine pouches as Holly Cairns echoes Sinn Féin leader’s disgruntlement on housing

Taoiseach rejects Sinn Féin’s claim of ‘expensive U-turn’ on phasing out of long-term leases

Opposition accuses Government of delaying on proposals, but Ministers reluctant to bring in legislative change before next election

People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith says women still being treated as criminals for accessing reproductive healthcare

FG needs to connect more tightly with its natural voting contingency, sharpen its messaging and get back to its identity basics of law and order, the economy and enterprise