'This has been a monumental week for me, both personally and politically,' says Holly Cairns
Supporters Centre Picture: The In Count Of Eddie At Celebrate Cairns Mallow O'hare Holly
Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has thanked the staff of Cork University Maternity Hospital for her care over the weekend after she gave birth to a baby girl on election day.
In a statement, Ms Cairns said that she and her family were treated with “incredible care and kindness throughout my pregnancy and this weekend”.
In her first statement in the aftermath of the election, Ms Cairns said that it has been a “monumental week” for her, both personally and politically.
“The Social Democrats did not engage in auction politics, we were clear with the electorate about what our deal-breakers for government would be, and that clarity and sincerity helped us to stand out from other parties,” Ms Cairns said.
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Ms Cairns added that the party’s messages on housing, health, childcare, climate action, and disability resonated with people on the doors.
She described the party’s mandate from the election as “overwhelming” and that the Social Democrats would talk to all parties in due course.
“The party is in a very strong position to play an important role in the next Dáil. In what position, government or opposition, remains to be seen,” she added.
Ms Cairns stepped back from the election campaign earlier this month, with the party leader focusing on campaigning in Cork and online.
The arrival of the newborn meant that Ms Cairns was unable to vote for herself in the tightly-contested Cork South West constituency.
However, she was elected relatively comfortably, taking the second of three seats with 11,962 votes.
With counting still ongoing, the party is hopeful of claiming around 10 seats.
So far it has picked up seats in Cork East, Dublin Bay North, Dublin Central, and Dublin North West.