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Holly Cairns

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Holly Cairns

TD
Cairns in 2023
Leader of the Social Democrats
Assumed office
1 March 2023
DeputyCian O'Callaghan
Preceded byRóisín Shortall
Catherine Murphy
Teachta Dála
Assumed office
8 February 2020
ConstituencyCork South-West
Personal details
Born
Holly McKeever Cairns

(1989-11-04) 4 November 1989 (age 35)
Cork, Ireland
Political partySocial Democrats
Domestic partnerBarry Looney
Children1[1]
EducationUniversity College Cork

Holly McKeever Cairns (born 4 November 1989) is an Irish politician. She has been the leader of the Social Democrats party since March 2023. She has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for Cork South-West since 2020.[2][3] She was a member of Cork County Council for the Bantry local electoral area from 2019 to 2020.

Cairns was born in Cork and worked on her family farm which made organic seeds. She volunteered in many charity organisations in Malta and Romania before starting her political career in Ireland. She became active in politics because she supported LGBT rights and abortion rights. She joined the Social Democrats in 2018.

Cairns ran in the 2020 general election as a candidate in the Cork South West constituency. During her time in the Dáil Éireann, she focused on the agricultural businesses of Cork.[4][5] As a TD, Cairns is known for criticizing the government of Taoiseach Micheál Martin. She did not support the government's response to the Commission of Investigation Records about Mother and Baby Homes not releasing personal data to victims.

In March 2023, Cairns became leader of Social Democrats, replacing Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy. During her time as leader, she has shown support for Palestine while criticizing the Irish government and European Union for their support of Israel. She has also refused to merge the Social Democrats with the Labour Party. Cairns supports solutions to fight climate change and homelessness in Ireland. Cairns led the party through the 2024 general election, in which the party gained seats in the Dáil Éireann.

Early life

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Holly McKeever Cairns was born on a farm in Cork, Ireland.[6][7][8][9] She studied in organic horticulture from University College Cork.[9] Her mother, Madeline McKeever, was a Green Party politician.[10] Cairns worked on the family farm, Brown Envelope Seeds, making organic seeds.[9]

During the 2010s, Cairns lived outside of Ireland, spending some time working in an orphanage in Romania, before moving to Malta for four years.[11] In Malta, Cairns worked for a charity organisation called INSPIRE which gives educational services to children and adults with disabilities.[11][12][13]

Local politics

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Cairns first entered politics as an activist interested in LGBT rights and abortion rights.[14] Cairn joined the Social Democrats in 2018.[15] She was one of the founding members of the West Cork branch of the party.[15][16]

Cairns was elected to Cork County Council for the Bantry local electoral area in 2019, winning the last seat by a single vote.[17] During the campaign, she was against the creation of a plastics factory in Skibbereen.[18]

During her time as a councillor, she created the Inside the Chamber podcast about local government.[19] In 2019, she proposed a motion for councillors to receive documents three days before voting, which was passed.[20] She was a member of the executive committee of Carbery Housing Association until her election to the Dáil.[21]

TD (2020–present)

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Cairns ran in the 2020 general election as a TD candidate in the Cork South West constituency.[22][23] She was the youngest Social Democrats candidate, being 30 years old.[24] She ran against her then-boyfriend, Christopher O'Sullivan of the Fianna Fáil party.[25] She was elected, taking the third and final seat,[26] winning 4,696 (10.59%) of the vote.[27] Cairns was the only female TD elected in all of Cork City and county.[28] She then became the Social Democrat Spokesperson for Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Further and Higher Education; and Disability.[29]

Cairns in 2020

In March 2020, Cairns was criticized by farmers for her "lack of support" for the dairy business in Cork.[5] That same month, she supported the creation of a task force to support the fishing business.[4]

In October 2020, Cairns criticised the Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters) Records for not giving access to survivors of the institutions to their personal data.[30] Cairns was also worried about the sealing of the archive in the Dáil.[31][32] She did not support government's role in not taking any of the amendments from the oppositions.[33] After the Dáil voted in favour of the legislation, she said that she was "sick to my stomach that the State has let the survivors down yet again ... The amount of emails, phone calls, and letters I have had on the Mother and Baby Homes Records is overwhelming. People want justice and accountability for the survivors of these horrific institutions."[34] After the bill was passed, Taoiseach Micheál Martin promised Cairns that survivors would be able to get access to their records.[35]

In November 2020, Cairns was against a parliamentary motion to give state funding to the greyhound racing industry.[36] Wayne McCarthy, a board member of Greyhound Racing Ireland, called her an "ignorant little girl" on Twitter.[37][38] McCarthy's comments were called sexist and offensive by many politicians.[39] Speaking in the Dáil, Cairns said that she did not want to use her Dáil speaking time to talk about, what she called "everyday sexism", but that it cannot be ignored.[40] She invited McCarthy to a public debate about funding the greyhound racing industry.[40] Despite this, in 2021 the government gave €19.2 million in taxpayer money to funding greyhound racing.[41]

In April 2021, Cairns called on the government to increase funding for national treatment for eating disorders after a constituent went to Cairns asking for help.[42] In May 2021, she questioned Taoiseach Micheál Martin, after he publicly supported an appeal against the construction of a €140 million cheese factory in County Kilkenny.[43] Cairns said that the factory would be a way for the Dutch to keep making money from dairy products while cutting their herd numbers to meet environmental standards.[43] Cairns also said that Martin had told Cairns it was not right for government members to be part in planning issues when she talked about the idea of creating a mother and baby home in County Cork.[43]

Cairns speaking at the Dáil Éireann, April 2024

Leader of the Social Democrats

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Cairns announced on 26 February 2023, that she would run for leader of Social Democrats.[44] No one else ran in the leadership election, so Cairns became the new leader.[44] She took over leadership of the party on 1 March 2023.[45] After taking office, Cairns said that the Social Democrats have no plans in merging with the Labour Party.[46] The first poll taken after she was elected leader showed that the party's support had more than doubled to 9%.[47]

Cairns is a supporter for an "Irish NHS" to fix the problems of the current healthcare system in Ireland.[48] She supports action to fight climate change, calling it a threat that cannot be ignored.[48] Cairns has called housing in Ireland a "national crisis" and supports policies to fix the housing shortage.[48] Cairns has also talked about against false information about asylum seekers and believes in showing support for them instead.[48]

As leader of the Social Democrats, Cairns has showed support for Palestine.[49][50] She also said that Israel has done war crimes against Palestine and called on Western leaders for a ceasefire.[51] After Israeli invaded the Gaza Strip in 2023, the Social Democrats called for the removal of the Israeli ambassador to Ireland, with Cairns saying the European Union's response to the war in Gaza as "despicable".[52]

In November 2024, Cairns led the party into the 2024 general election, in which the party won five seats more seats in the Dáil Éireann while winning an increased 4.8% of the vote.[53][54]

Personal life

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Cairns was in a relationship with Cork TD Christopher O'Sullivan of Fianna Fáil but the couple ended their relationship in 2020.[55][56]

In January 2023, Cairns said that for six months the year before, she was harassed by an online stalker.[57] The stalker eventually showing up at her home in West Cork many times.[57] She said this after many Irish women in politics such as Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said that they had been harassed for being women.[57][58]

In June 2024, Cairns announced that she and her partner, Barry Looney, were expecting a baby girl.[59] She said that she was happy since she had two miscarriages the year before.[60] Cairns became the first Irish party leader to have been pregnant in the Dail.[61] She announced that the Social Democrats' deputy leader, Cian O'Callaghan, would lead the party during her maternity leave.[62] She gave birth to a girl on 29 November 2024, the day of voting in the general election.[63][64]

References

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  1. ↑ "Leader of Ireland's Social Democrats gives birth to baby girl on polling day". amp.theguardian.com. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
  2. ↑ "Holly Cairns". Oireachtas Members Database. Archived from the original on 15 February 2020. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
  3. ↑ Baker, Noel (May 29, 2019). "First-timer McKeever Cairns takes seat after recount marathon". The Examiner. Ireland. Archived from the original on 29 May 2019. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Fishermen stay resilient despite returning to port". The Southern Star. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "ICMSA hits out at Holly's 'airy-fairy' dairy comments". The Southern Star. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
  6. ↑ "Last Cork councillor is elected by a single vote after four days of counting". Echo Live. 28 May 2019. Archived from the original on 27 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  7. ↑ "Democrat Holly determined to hit ground running". Echo Live. 4 June 2019. Archived from the original on 27 January 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  8. ↑ "Farming, Sustainable Agriculture, and West Cork with Holly McKeever Cairns - Liminal Entwinings - Researching geography and pilgrimage in Ireland". Archived from the original on 27 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 O'Brien, Mary (March 4, 2019). "Sowing the seeds of a sustainable future". West Cork People. Clonakilty. Archived from the original on 26 January 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  10. ↑ "ElectionsIreland.org: Madeline McKeever". electionsireland.org. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Sean O'Rourke (1 June 2023). "Holly Cairns". Insights with Sean O'Rourke (Podcast). Event occurs at 11:55. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  12. ↑ Bray, Jennifer (3 March 2023). "Holly Cairns: 'They say rural Ireland is so conservative. It's not true and it's kind of insulting'". The Irish Times. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  13. ↑ Molony, Senan (27 February 2023). "'My ambitions for the Social Democrats are huge but I've no illusions about the challenges I'm facing,' says new leader Holly Cairns". The Irish Independent. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  14. ↑ Stefanie Preissner (October 2020). "What's It Like To Get Elected, Holly?" (Podcast). Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "YOUNG BLOODS: HOLLY CAIRNS". The Phoenix. 9 April 2021. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  16. ↑ Keogh, Jackie (2 August 2018). "Social Democrats put forward two hopefuls for next election". Southern Star. Archived from the original on 27 January 2020. Retrieved 27 January 2020.
  17. ↑ McGuinness, Gráinne (4 June 2019). "Democrat Holly determined to hit ground running". Evening Echo. Archived from the original on 27 January 2020. Retrieved 27 January 2020.
  18. ↑ "Row breaks out between councillors over Skibbereen plastics factory plans". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  19. ↑ "Inside the Chamber with Holly Cairns TD". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  20. ↑ Connolly, Emma (4 November 2019). "I refuse to be a 'rubber stamper' says Holly". The Southern Star. Archived from the original on 26 January 2020. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  21. ↑ "Community - Skibbereen - Carbery House". The Southern Star. 17 October 2020.
  22. ↑ "General election likely to be held on Saturday February 8th". The Southern Star. Archived from the original on 27 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  23. ↑ "Newcomer Holly to run for the Dáil". The Southern Star. Archived from the original on 26 January 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  24. ↑ McGarrigle, Saoirse (24 January 2020). "Youngest General Election 2020 candidates in Ireland in each party". irishmirror. Archived from the original on 27 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  25. ↑ Carroll, Rory (27 January 2020). "'Like a bad romcom': couple run against each other in Irish election". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 20 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  26. ↑ Baker, Noel (10 February 2020). "Cork South-West results: Social Democrat Holly Cairns secures seat". The Irish Times. Dublin. Archived from the original on 5 June 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  27. ↑ "ElectionsIreland.org: 33rd Dáil - Cork South West First Preference Votes". electionsireland.org. Archived from the original on 18 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  28. ↑ "Holly flying the flag solo for women in Co Cork". The Southern Star. Archived from the original on 27 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  29. ↑ "Our people: Holly McKeever-Cairns". Social Democrats. Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  30. ↑ Ryan, Órla (23 October 2020). "Q&A: What is the mother and baby home legislation passed in the Oireachtas this week?". TheJournal.ie. Archived from the original on 9 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  31. ↑ "An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business – Dáil Éireann (33rd Dáil) – Tuesday, 20 Oct 2020 – Houses of the Oireachtas". Houses of the Oireachtas. 20 October 2020. Archived from the original on 2 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  32. ↑ O'Halloran, Marie. "Dáil row over controversial mother and baby home legislation on commission records". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  33. ↑ McConnell, Daniel (23 October 2020). "Mother and Baby Homes records to be sealed for 30 years as controversial bill passes". Irish Examiner. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  34. ↑ "'Sick to my stomach' Cork TD voices dismay after mother and baby homes legislation passed in Dàil". Echo Live. 22 October 2020. Archived from the original on 31 October 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  35. ↑ Oireachtas, Houses of the (4 November 2020). "Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation – Dáil Éireann (33rd Dáil) – Wednesday, 4 Nov 2020 – Houses of the Oireachtas". www.oireachtas.ie. Archived from the original on 7 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  36. ↑ Cairns, Holly (24 November 2020). "Holly Cairns: The greyhound industry is inherently cruel – so why should the taxpayer fund it?". TheJournal.ie. Archived from the original on 11 December 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  37. ↑ O'Shea, Joe (3 December 2020). "Greyhound authority to examine "ignorant little girl" jibe against Cork TD". Cork Beo. Archived from the original on 8 January 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  38. ↑ "Fine Gael TD apologises to Holly Cairns over 'ignorant little girl' tweet". Irish Examiner. 30 November 2020. Archived from the original on 7 January 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  39. ↑ "Minister will write to greyhound board over 'sexist' tweet about Holly Cairns". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 9 January 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 "The Journal". www.google.co.uk. December 2020. Archived from the original on 3 January 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  41. ↑ Loughlin, Elaine (4 August 2021). "Agriculture Minister committed to funding greyhound racing". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
  42. ↑ Ann Murphy (21 April 2021). "'I am begging you to intervene': Minister asked to help Cork woman who fears she will die without inpatient treatment for eating disorder". Archived from the original on 27 August 2021.
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 O'Halloran, Marie (12 May 2021). "Martin says politicians entitled to comment on planning as he defends An Taisce remarks". Irish Times. Archived from the original on 12 May 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 Hurley, Sandra (26 February 2023). "Holly Cairns to become next leader of Social Democrats". RTÉ News. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  45. ↑ Cunningham, Paul (1 March 2023). "New Soc Dems leader Holly Cairns rules out any electoral pact". RTÉ News. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  46. ↑ Hosford, Paul (1 March 2023). "Holly Cairns: Future of Social Democrats 'does not include a merger with Labour'". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  47. ↑ "Support for Social Democrats more than doubles after Holly Cairns becomes leader, poll shows". independent. 4 March 2023. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 48.2 48.3 Clark, Stuart (17 May 2023). "Holly Cairns: "In politics you either go in hard or go home. You can't do things half-heartedly"". Hot Press. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  49. ↑ Hosford, Paul (18 November 2023). "Paul Hosford: Holly Cairns steals a march on Sinn Féin with her impassioned stance on Gaza". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  50. ↑ Cairns, Holly (23 January 2024). "Holly Cairns: Ireland has long advocated for the Palestinians - we can't let them down now". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  51. ↑ Young, David (15 November 2023). "Expelling Israeli ambassador would push Ireland to 'margins of international opinion'". BreakingNews.ie. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  52. ↑ Hosford, Paul (15 November 2023). "EU's response to war on Gaza is 'despicable', says Holly Cairns". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  53. ↑ "Election24". RTE. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  54. ↑ "General Election predictions: A Fianna Fáil win along with gains for Labour Party, Social Democrats and Independent Ireland". Independent.ie. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  55. ↑ Connolly, Emma (5 January 2021). "Holly and Christopher call time on relationship". Southern Star. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  56. ↑ "Your Politics: Women of the Oireachtas" (Podcast). December 2020. Event occurs at 6:30. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 57.2 Bray, Jennifer (18 January 2023). "Holly Cairns left 'terrified' after online stalker showed up at her home". The Irish Times. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  58. ↑ Phelan, Ciara (18 January 2023). "Stalker showed up at Holly Cairns' West Cork home". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  59. ↑ Dalton, Eoghan (15 June 2024). "Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns 'overjoyed' to share pregnancy news". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  60. ↑ "Cairns 'overjoyed' to share baby news". RTE News. 16 June 2024. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  61. ↑ "BABY JOY Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns gives birth to baby girl and shares first pic on general election day". The Sun. 29 November 2024. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  62. ↑ Wilson, Jade (16 June 2024). "Holly Cairns could 'potentially' pause maternity leave during general election". The Irish Times. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  63. ↑ ""She's here, we're completely in love with her": Holly Cairns gives birth to a baby daughter". Irish Times. 27 November 2024. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  64. ↑ McNally, Tadgh (27 November 2024). "Soc Dems leader Holly Cairns welcomes baby girl on day of General Election". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 27 November 2024.

Other websites

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