Social Democrat leader signals intent to contest local elections in Clare next summer

THE NEW leader of the Social Democrats has signalled the party’s intention to stand local election candidates across the country, including Clare.

Holly Cairns said she is ‘really hopeful’ the party will find a Social Democrat candidate to contest the local election in Clare next summer, and encouraged anyone who was considering getting into politics to do so.

“You don’t need a special qualification or invitation to get involved. We need a vast array of experience that isn’t really apparent at the moment, when we look at gender and loads of other types of representation that we need.”

Ms Cairns made the comments while on a visit to Limerick on Tuesday to meet with members of the city’s party branch and attend the selection convention, having also visited Waterford on Monday.

The newly-elected party leader also hit out at the Government’s attitude towards climate action, as the Climate Change Advisory Council this week reported that Ireland will not meet its carbon budget targets for 2021-2025 or for 2026-2030, unless urgent action is taken.

“I think the fact that we're basically having a national conversation about should we or shouldn't we take action on climate and agriculture is a disgrace, it's 2023,” Ms Cairns, who comes from a farming background, said.

“I find it confusing and frustrating that we're having that conversation, when it should be: how do we make farming more sustainable?”

“Better than that, how does Ireland become the country leading the way in sustainable agriculture? That's where I'd like to see us in protecting the future of the sector and future generations of farmers. The next generation of farmers need something to farm.”