More diversity needed in the Dáil, newly elected Cork TD says

Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice is fully embracing the opportunity to represent the people of Cork South Central.

Mr Rice, who holds a law degree and BSc from UCC and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of Oxford, was elected to Cork City Council in the local elections of June 2024 before successfully securing a Dáil seat in November’s general election.

A member of the Social Democrats since the party was formed in 2015, Mr Rice feels that the government could be doing much more with regards to affordable housing, healthcare, disability services, and climate action.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Rice said that becoming a TD has been something he has been working towards for some time.

“It is an incredible honour and a privilege to have been elected by the people of Cork South Central,” he said.

“Myself and my team worked really hard to win the election in what is a very competitive constituency.

“This work didn’t start today or yesterday. I have been involved in politics and community organising in Cork since I was 18.

“I was elected as the Welfare Officer of UCC Students’ Union in my early 20s.

“I went off to Oxford at 24 to study a Masters in Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government to get a better understanding of how good governments work.

“When I came home, I got a job behind the scenes in politics, first with a Senator and then with a TD.

“For years, I was involved in groups like Students for Marriage Equality; I was secretary of Cork Together for Yes during the Repeal Referendum, and I helped co-ordinate Michael D’s referendum campaign.

“I also spent two years as the manager of the Cork Gay Project while studying for a law degree part-time. It’s a long way of saying that this is something that I have been working towards for a long time so it meant a lot to me, my friends and my family, to have been elected.

“I couldn’t have done it without the 90 or so people who volunteered to be part of my campaign.”

One of the younger generation of TDs in Dáil Éireann, Mr Rice is keen to bring a fresh voice and younger perspective to Irish politics.

“Of the 174 TDs in this new Dáil only 15 of us are 35 or under.

“The Dáil should look like Ireland and at the moment it doesn’t. That’s not just young people - we need more women, more migrants, more people of colour, more people with disabilities, more Travellers, more LGBTQ people and more people from working-class communities.

“Politics in Ireland is dominated by men of a certain age who come from similar backgrounds.

“More diversity improves decision making.

“Ultimately, that is what we are doing in the Dáil, is making decisions on behalf of the people of Ireland.”

Determined to be a fresh voice for the people of Cork at a national level, Mr Rice is hoping to achieve a lot during his Dáil term.

“I want to help build a republic of equals. One where everyone has access to affordable housing, quality healthcare, a good education, a decent job and a sustainable future. I also want to be a champion for Cork.

“I want to make sure that Cork gets its fair share and that we make progress on some key infrastructure projects like the Cork Luas, the Cork Event Centre and the new city library.”

The new TD would like to see more open political decision-making, with increased transparency and accountability.

Mr Rice also wants to see the improvement of public spaces and an increased investment in public services.

He said that, from the very early stages of his interest in the political world, the Social Democrats was a party which appealed strongly to him.

“I have always had huge respect for the Soc Dems former leaders Catherine Murphy and Róisín Shortall.

“They have always been principled and dedicated politicians. When they came together with others to start the party, I watched with great interest.

“At the first press conference, they spoke about the party being based on the principles of progress, equality, democracy and sustainability.

“They set out that they wanted to build a party that marries support for enterprise and responsible economics, with a more equal and inclusive social vision.

“A party that values open government and plans for the long term. A party that harnesses the views of a diverse range of people.

“I joined day one. I helped write the party constitution and to organise the first set of regional meetings.

“I then went on to be the chair of the Cork branch.”

Living in Ballyphehane, Mr Rice has plenty of hopes and targets for the year ahead, both inside and outside of work, as he embarks on the journey of representing Cork South Central in Dáil Éireann.

“I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the job and getting my office set up properly.

“Outside of work, I’m hoping to do some more longer runs.

“I did the full Cork City Marathon in 2022, which was a great experience. I also have a stack of books I’d like to read this year.

“Nationally, I want to work on issues like reducing poverty and social exclusion.

“I’ll also be campaigning for more affordable housing, better childcare services, disability supports, reducing hospital waiting lists and meaningful climate action.

“At a local level, I will be working alongside our new councillor Niamh O’Connor, to try to get the council [Cork City Council] to do the basics better.

“Things like fixing footpaths, repairing roads, improving parks and playgrounds and public spaces.

“I also think we need to put a focus on delivering key infrastructure projects for Cork like the Cork Luas, the Cork Event Centre and the new city library, as well as smaller projects like a new running track, a better bus service and a safe injection facility.

“I would like to thank the people of Cork for their support and encouragement.

“I hope people are starting to see that there is space for a different kind of politics in Cork.

“A positive, progressive style of politics that is focused on delivering solutions and improving people’s lives in any way we can.”