Social Democrats select two candidates to contest election for party in Cork North Central

The leader of the Social Democrats, Holly Cairns, has welcomed the selection of Susan Doyle and Ciarán McCarthy to contest the next general election for the party in Cork North Central.

Ms Cairns said she is “delighted” to have Ms Doyle and Mr McCarthy standing for the party in the general election.

“I know they both care passionately about the northside of Cork and would work tirelessly for further investment in public services and amenities for the area if elected to the Dáil,” she said.

A self-employed solicitor and mother of two, Ms Doyle was the party’s Ireland South candidate in June’s European Elections.

Mr McCarthy is a barrister, specialising in admiralty and maritime law, who lectures in Munster Technological University and University College Cork.

“Given their legal backgrounds, Susan and Ciarán have a clear understanding of the social injustices that so many people in Ireland face today and are both deeply committed to a society where everyone has equal access to quality public services and supports,” Ms Cairns said.

“I wish them both every success in the forthcoming general election.”

Following her selection, Ms Doyle said she wants to be a strong voice for the people of Cork North Central.

“The northside of Cork city needs parks, community creches, playgrounds, community centres and better amenities. All available resources must be evenly divided between both sides of the city to ensure that this constituency gets its fair share of investment,” she said.

Ms Doyle further highlighted areas that need investment and overhaul such as the disability and mental health sectors.

She also highlighted the need to provide more social and affordable housing in Cork North Central and tackle high rates of vacancy and dereliction in Cork.

Mr McCarthy, who has lived and worked in Cork all his life, said: “Years of mismanagement and a misplaced ideological reliance on the private sector by this government means that my children’s generation do not have the same opportunities that I did to rent an affordable property or buy a home of their own. Access to mental health and disability services is another major issue for people in Cork... These are all problems that can be fixed by a change of government – and I want to be part of that change.”