Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns announces she is expecting her second child

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, Press Association

The Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has announced that she is expecting her second child.

The Cork South-West TD said deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan would become acting leader of the party from October.

“I am so happy to announce that we are expecting our second child,” Cairns said.

I have always said that having a family should not be disqualifying for a political party leader

“Barry and I are so excited and feel extremely lucky to be able to raise our family in West Cork.

“I have always said that having a family should not be disqualifying for a political party leader and I am very grateful to have the support of our parliamentary party and my constituents in Cork South-West.

“Our deputy leader, Cian O’Callaghan, will step into the role of acting leader in October for the duration of my maternity leave.”

Cairns became leader of the Social Democrats in March 2023 after party co-founders Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy stepped aside.

Ms Cairns announced she was pregnant with her first child in 2024 and gave birth to a baby girl on polling day of the general election that year.

The party doubled their seats in the 2024 election. Last month, they increased their support again after the party’s candidate Daniel Ennis was elected as a TD in the Dublin Central by-election to replace former finance minister Paschal Donohoe.

Cairns said the by-election result was “monumental” and said it was “amazing” to see support for the party grow.