Cork's Holly Cairns thanks CUMH staff and voters in what she says was a ‘monumental’ week

The Social Democrats leader, who gave birth to her first child last week, was re-elected in Cork South West in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Cork's Holly Cairns thanks CUMH staff and voters in what she says was a ‘monumental’ week

Ms Cairns announced the news of her new arrival on polling day. Picture: Holly Cairns/Instagram

Leader of the Social Democrats, Cork South West TD, and first-time-mum Holly Cairns has described the last week as “monumental”, both personally and politically.

Ms Cairns was re-elected in Cork South West in the early hours of Sunday morning on count 10, with 11,962 votes.

“Our success in this election is down to the calibre of our candidates and the positive campaign we ran,” Ms Cairns said in a statement yesterday.

“The Social Democrats did not engage in auction politics, we were clear with the electorate about what our dealbreakers for government would be, and that clarity and sincerity helped us to stand out from other parties."

She said that the party's message on issues such as housing, disability, healthcare, childcare and climate action "really resonated with people on the doors" which resulted in their "incredible performance" over the weekend.

"In due course, we will talk to all the other parties about government formation,” she added.

Baby girl

Ms Cairns also gave birth to a baby girl last week, announcing the news on Instagram on polling day.

“On a personal basis, I am so honoured to have been re-elected as a TD for Cork South-West. 

"The fact that this coincided with another extremely happy event – the birth of my daughter – makes this a joyous weekend that I will never forget," she said.

“I would like to thank all those who voted for me, as well as my local team and supporters who worked tirelessly on my behalf, particularly in the final few weeks of the election campaign.

“I would also like to thank the staff at Cork University Maternity Hospital, who treated my family and I with incredible care and kindness throughout my pregnancy and this weekend.” 

Ms Cairns concluded: “Finally, I would also like to thank all of the excellent candidates who stood for the Social Democrats, some of whom narrowly missed out on seats.

"The party is in a very strong position to play an important role in the next Dáil. In what position, government or opposition, remains to be seen.”

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