Cork's Saoirse Mackin hoping to make history at next year's local elections

A CORK woman is set to go down in LGBT history as what is believed to be the Republic of Ireland’s first transgender candidate to contest the local elections.

Campaigner Saoirse Mackin, who lives in Blackpool, has been selected by the Social Democrats to run in Cork City North West in the 2024 local elections.

Her upcoming election campaign comes on foot of extensive activism to end the stigma around trans issues nationally.

Some of the concerns she has raised awareness of include the barriers for transgender women in the healthcare system.

One of her most significant achievements to date was co-founding Trans+ Pride Cork in 2022, which was set up to lobby for better healthcare services for the LGBT community.

She also opened up about her own struggles which included difficulty accessing hormone replacement therapy and coping with transphobia.

Ms Mackin expressed her pride about plans to run as a candidate at Thursday night’s selection convention in Cork’s Metropole Hotel.

“While I am proud to be the first transgender candidate running for election in the Republic of Ireland, it is my intention to be a public representative for the entire community if I win a council seat in Cork City North West next June. It is particularly exciting to be running for the party under the new leadership of Holly Cairns, who is one of the most impressive politicians of our generation.” 

She spoke of her ambitions if elected.

“I feel honoured to be standing as a candidate for the Social Democrats, a party that shares my ambition for an inclusive and fairer society where everyone is treated equally and with respect. If elected, my priority areas will include the provision of more affordable housing, improved public services, universal access to healthcare and the development of quality cycle infrastructure in Cork. I will also campaign for better local amenities, such as upgraded parks, green spaces, playgrounds and sports facilities.” The leader of the Social Democrats, Holly Cairns, welcomed the news.

“Saoirse is exactly the kind of candidate we want to see running in next year’s local elections – one who is honest, principled and committed to our party’s vision for a more equal Ireland,” Ms Cairns said. 

“As an advocate for transgender rights, Saoirse can help highlight the deficiencies in services and supports that members of her community face on a daily basis. I know that Saoirse will be an exceptional public representative if elected and I’d like to wish her every success in her campaign.” 

Ms Mackin is a member of the Social Democrats’ national executive who works as a community engagement officer and studies part-time at University College Cork. She is involved in a number of community organisations, including the Cork Cycling Campaign.