A new generation takes over the leadership of the Social Democrats on Wednesday when Cork South-West deputy Holly Cairns becomes party leader unopposed following the decision of founding co-leaders Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy to step down.
Cairns’s elevation to the position became inevitable when the party’s three other TDs — it has six in total — said they would not stand for the job and were happy to support her candidacy. It will be the latest stage in a rapid political ascent for the 33-year-old; it is not yet four years since she was first elected as a member of Cork County Council and just three since she first became a TD. She will become the youngest party leader in the Dáil.
Since entering parliament, Cairns has become an accomplished media and Dáil performer, particularly vocal on social issues. Recently she revealed the level of abuse that she — and many other politicians, especially female ones — endure on a regular basis. Her decision to speak out was commendable and courageous.
