Social Democrats leader signals intent to contest local elections in Longford next summer

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

Holly Cairns said she is ‘really hopeful’ the party will find a Social Democrat candidate to contest the local election in Longford 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 to meet with members of the city’s party branch and attend the selection convention, having also visited Waterford.

The Social Democrats leader was accompanied by Limerick City councillor Elisa O'Donovan, who has strong links to Longford with her mother hailing from Moyne.

Cllr O'Donovan, a Speech & Language Therapist was first elected in 2019, and she is a niece of former Longford County Council Cathaoirleach and Fianna Fáil stalwart Luie McEntire.

The Limerick City West representative previously tweeted, "Our family has always been strong advocates for Longford and it's great people. Longford people have a great wit and tend to not take life too seriously!"

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Ms Cairns 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.

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“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.

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

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“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.”