With housing continuing to dominate the political agenda, Deputy O’Callaghan will play a key role in proposing workable solutions to the crisis
Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has welcomed the appointment of Dublin Bay North TD Cian O’Callaghan as the party’s deputy leader.
Deputy Cairns said:
“I am so happy to announce that Cian will take up the position of deputy leader of the Social Democrats with immediate effect.
“So far, 2023 has been a landmark year for the party. I was so honoured to become party leader in March after the decision by Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy to step aside as co-leaders. Now, along with Cian as deputy leader and all my parliamentary party colleagues, I’m so excited to build on the foundations, vision and core principles laid down by Róisín and Catherine when they founded the Social Democrats in 2015.
“As both a TD for Dublin Bay North and through his role as party spokesperson on housing, Cian’s track record as a parliamentarian has been outstanding. Since his election, he has challenged the litany of failed housing policies by this Government – policies which have resulted in declining levels of home ownership, crippling rents and record numbers of people living in emergency homeless accommodation.
“With housing continuing to dominate the political agenda, Cian will play a key role in proposing workable solutions to the crisis.
“Cian brings a wealth of experience to the role of deputy leader. Prior to winning a Dáil seat in 2020, he was a councillor for many years and is a former Fingal Mayor. He also served as national organiser for the Social Democrats.”
Following his appointment as deputy leader, Deputy O’Callaghan said:
“I am delighted to take up this position at such an exciting time for the Social Democrats. The momentum behind the party since Holly took over as leader has been phenomenal and puts us in a very strong position as we head into next year’s Local and European Elections.
“Along with my parliamentary party colleagues, councillors and valued members of the Social Democrats around the country, I look forward to continuing our journey as a growing political force in Ireland.”
July 4, 2023