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The Social Democrats, emboldened by recent electoral gains and favorable polling data, unveiled an “unashamedly ambitious” agenda at their national conference in Cork this weekend, focused on tackling Ireland’s housing crisis, regulating social media, and bolstering quality public services. The conference, the largest in the party’s 11-year history with 450 attendees, signaled a clear intent to expand their influence and pursue a governing coalition.
Party conferences are often characterized by optimism and enthusiasm, and this weekend’s event was no exception. Attendees reportedly radiated positivity regarding the party’s direction and proposed policies.
In a keynote address to a packed hall, party leader Holly Cairns emphasized building on past successes and capitalizing on the momentum from recent electoral victories, including a strong showing in the presidential election. She stated the party’s commitment to strengthening relationships on the left and supporting the work of their local representatives. “We will build on the legacy of the (Catherine) Connolly coalition and strengthen relationships on the left,” Cairns told delegates. “We will build on the excellent work our councillors and TDs are doing in their communities. And when the next election comes we will stand a candidate in every constituency in the country.”
The party is also prioritizing upcoming by-elections, with Cairns urging supporters to rally behind candidates Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich and Dan Ennis. “Lets pull out all the stops to get Míde (Nic Fhionnlaoich) and Dan (Ennis) elected. Join their campaigns, spread the word…because time after time we’ve shown that our politics of equality, inclusion, honesty and above all hope really resonates,” she said.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
A central pillar of the Social Democrats’ platform is a comprehensive housing policy. Cairns sharply criticized the current government’s approach, accusing them of failing to address the escalating crisis and dismissing the party’s proposals as “too radical.” The party advocates for measures including a rent freeze, an end to no-fault evictions, the establishment of a state construction company, and a significant increase in the delivery of social housing.
Watch the Social Democrats leader discuss the government’s housing policies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOUR_YOUTUBE_VIDEO_ID
Cairns also delivered a strong condemnation of the government’s approach to regulating social media, arguing that allowing tech companies to self-regulate has resulted in a lack of enforcement and safeguards. She called for decisive action to protect children from harmful content and hold social media companies accountable for legal violations. “For too long this Government has allowed social media and tech companies to regulate themselves , which effectively means no regulation at all, no enforcement and no safeguards,” Cairns asserted. To enthusiastic applause, she stated it’s time to “turn off the toxic algorithms feeding our children harmful content, time to prosecute the social media companies that are clearly breaking the law.” She further proposed legislation granting individuals digital copyright over their own voices and bodies.
See Holly Cairns call for prosecution of social media companies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOUR_YOUTUBE_VIDEO_ID
Foreign Policy and Domestic Priorities
The Social Democrats also weighed in on international affairs, stating they would not oppose Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s upcoming visit to the White House but insisted he must firmly defend Irish interests and values in the face of potential pressure from the Trump administration. Cairns emphasized the importance of maintaining Ireland’s neutrality and challenged the government to seek a public mandate before altering the “Triple Lock” mechanism governing participation in EU defense initiatives.
Cairns also addressed domestic concerns, highlighting the need for a €400 winter payment for people with disabilities and a second tier of child benefit aimed at alleviating child poverty. She linked recent flooding events to the urgency of responsible climate action.
Coalition Ambitions and Electoral Growth
While Cairns did not rule out any potential coalition partners, a clear appetite for government was evident among delegates at the Silver Springs Conference Centre. Party TD Jennifer Whitmore emphasized the importance of securing a governing role to enact meaningful change. “Yes we really want to get into government. Obviously, it did not work out the last time but our aim is to be in because that’s where we’re going to be able to make decisions and to influence how people are treated,” Whitmore stated. She pointed to the party’s five “red lines” from the previous election – 50,000 homes per year, Sláintecare, a public childcare system, climate action, and a Minister for Disability – as achievable goals within a coalition framework.
The Social Democrats have experienced steady growth since their founding in 2015, currently holding 11 TDs and a senator, along with 35 councillors. Recent opinion polls indicate a significant increase in support, with the party now polling between 7% and 10%, a substantial rise from their 4.8% performance in the 2024 general election. This surge in popularity positions them favorably against their traditional rivals in the Labour Party and suggests potential for further gains in the next election.
The upcoming by-elections in May will serve as a crucial test of the party’s momentum and the electorate’s response to their ambitious agenda.
