Padraig Rice hoping to contest general election for Social Democrats

Councillor Pádraig Rice is seeking the Social Democrat nomination to contest the general election in Cork South Central.

Mr Rice, 34, was elected to Cork City Council in June and came third in the South Central electoral area, winning 10% of the first-preference vote.

He is a long-term member of the Social Democrats, joining the party the day it was launched and co-writing the party constitution.

He has three degrees, including a law degree from University College Cork (UCC) and a master’s in public policy from Oxford, was recently appointed as a peace commissioner by the minister for justice, and works full-time as a policy manager.

Mr Rice previously worked as co-ordinator of the Cork Gay Community Development Project, was welfare officer of the UCC students’ union, and volunteered with marriage-equality and repeal-referendum campaigns, Citizens Information Service, and Ballyphehane Community Association.

“I think it’s really important that we have more diverse voices in the Dáil. In particular, we need more young voices in decision-making,” said Mr Rice.

Housing is his priority, he says, followed by better healthcare, investment in public services, and climate change.

“Many in my generation have been locked out of housing, and I want to stand up for them and fight for a fairer and more equal Ireland.

“We need more homes, better disability services, meaningful climate action, and shorter hospital waiting lists. The only way to achieve that is by electing new TDs and a different Dáil.”

He added, “I have worked behind the scenes in Leinster House for four years, first with Independent senator Collette Kelleher and then with SocDems deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan, TD. I know how the Oireachtas works, and, if elected, I could hit the ground running.”