Social Democrats select candidate to contest general election for party in Cork East 

Liam Quaide has been selected as the Social Democrats’ general election candidate for Cork East.

The recent selection convention was co-chaired by Mr Quaide’s Cork County Council colleague, councillor Ann Bambury, and Cork East party branch chairperson Rebecca Ryan.

Mr Quaide, a clinical psychologist who lives in Midleton with his wife and two children, was the third councillor elected to the Midleton Local Electoral Area in the recent elections.

He was first elected to Cork County Council in 2019 as a member of the Green Party.

He left the party in April 2023 citing the closure of the Owenacurra centre and subsequent actions causing “serious harm to a very vulnerable group of people” as his reason for doing so.

He has since been part of the successful campaign to save the centre.

He said in his acceptance speech that: “The most important quality a public representative can have is determination to see an issue through, and to not give up despite the feeling of being ground down by bureaucratic barriers or sheer institutional resistance.” He said: “I aim to bring that quality to the Oireachtas across the range of priority issues that we need to address for a better future — housing, health, and disability service reform, flood relief works, transport, nature restoration and the resourcing of amenities such as parks and playgrounds.

“Our deepening levels of inequality and the failure of the state to provide for people’s basic needs are, amongst other factors, driving a breakdown in social bonds, the scapegoating of migrants, and the polarisation of the political system.” Mr Quaide said that political representatives must “stand firm on a commitment to a fair and inclusive society, a net-zero economy and a protected natural world”, as well as the upholding of human rights and the consistent application of international law.

Mr Quaide added that he believes the party will have “a strong chance of a Dáil seat in Cork East through a sustained, collective effort,” inviting anyone interested in joining his campaign to get in touch.

Speaking following Mr Quaide’s selection, party leader Holly Cairns said: “Liam is a dedicated and hard-working public representative who has been a strong voice for the people of Cork East on Cork County Council on a range of issues — with a focus on housing, healthcare, and our environment.”