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Saturday 2 December 2023 Dublin: 2°C

# Social Democrats

Labour Party and Social Democrats 'have to be one again', former Labour leader says
A report by
Jane Matthews
Howlin is confident that the party can do “reasonably well” and “hold its own” in the next election.
This week
26th November 2023 - 2nd December 2023
Government approves €95 million in funding for greyhound and horse racing industries
Opposition TDs and an advocacy group claimed the funding is a “waste” of public funds.
Last week
19th November 2023 - 2nd December 2023
Varadkar: 'I’m not sure if the Israeli government listens to anyone anymore'
Taoiseach says Israel used to listen to the US, but he’s not sure that is the case anymore.
Last month
November 2023
Varadkar says Ireland would lose influence by going 'too far' in response to Israel motion
Opposition TDs have called for sanctions on Israel in response to its treatment of the Palestinian people.
Govt announce additional funding for ICC as Sinn Féin call for Israel's referral to the court
Sinn Féin are this evening bringing a motion to the floor of the Dáil calling on the Government to refer the Israeli attacks in Gaza to the ICC for investigation.
This year
2023
Calls for von der Leyen to resign by People Before Profit while SocDem's say they 'wouldn't vote for her'
The Labour Party said Joe Biden’s visit to Israel will embolden Israel and lead to more death and suffering for the people of Gaza.
People Before Profit and SocDems seek emergency Dáil debate on situation in Gaza and Israel
Richard Boyd Barrett said the situation is “twisted beyond belief”.
Varadkar welcomes SocDems position on working with Fine Gael after next election
The Taoiseach seemed to reject the Social Democrat leader’s assertion that he is “out of touch”.
Talk of cutting taxes are an attempt to 'buy votes', says Holly Cairns
Cairns said the Social Democrats are not in favour of cutting USC “at this time”.
Criticism as buyers in new housing estate asked for extra €60k to finish homes
The buyers were asked for an extra €60,000 so that the developer could finish the homes.
Private owners of land at Castletown House limit road access to the historic site
One local councillor told The Journal that the state had made a “real error” when it was outbid by private developers this year.
Cian O'Callaghan says we're becoming a nation of renters - so how would the Soc Dems change that?
O’Callaghan is clear that the Social Democrats won’t work with other parties if it means a continuation of the status quo.
Varadkar says his comment about people refusing social housing was 'misrepresented'
The Taoiseach has come under fire for saying that lots of people in emergency accommodation “refuse multiple offers to go on social housing”.
Government criticised for giving housing update during Tubridy hearings
Sinn Féin’s Eoin Ó’Broin has said the timing was “a cynical attempt to bury what is pretty bad news”.
Dublin TD Cian O' Callaghan appointed as first Deputy Leader of the Social Democrats
O’ Callaghan said he is delighted to be taking on the role at an “exciting” time for the party, which he says has gained momentum since Holly Cairns took over as leader.
Ireland among EU countries with the biggest increase in young adults living with their parents
A report by
David MacRedmond
For Ireland, the increase in this area was significantly higher than most of the EU.
Holly Cairns: 'Our healthcare shouldn't be informed by Leo saying he feels uncomfortable'
The SocDems leader says Ireland is still exporting the care of some pregnant women.
Cairns clarifies speech criticising lack of engagement with Clare community blockading hotel
The leader of the Social Democrats made a statement on Twitter this afternoon.
Holly Cairns says she'll talk to all parties after next election but 'change' is in the air
A report by
Christina Finn
The new Social Democrats leader spoke to The Journal in a wide-ranging interview.
Rural Independents spark debate on log cabins during Dáil motion on housing supports
Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said that “cowboys” could build log cabins to bring in rental income.
Cian O'Callaghan: Owners of vacant properties should either use it, rent it or sell it
The Social Democrats’ housing spokesperson says there can be no justification for leaving thousands of homes lying empty.
Finnish prime minister Sanna Marin defeated by conservatives in country's general election
With the top three parties expected to each get around 20% of the vote, no party is in position to form a government alone.
McDonald on the rise of Holly Cairns: 'It's extremely positive. I'm delighted for her'
Support for the Social Democrats more than doubled in a month following the election of Cairns as its new leader.
Analysis: Is Holly Cairns correct about her generation being worse off than their parents?
Despite black-and-white arguments on Twitter about that question, the reality is much more complicated, writes economist Ciarán Casey.
Social Democrats' support more than doubles after Holly Cairns elected leader
Meanwhile, support for Sinn Féin still far exceeds that of any other party in the country.
Holly Cairns on not being a 'stereotypical politician', Labour's broken trust and the need for change
The West Cork TD was announced the party leader of the Social Democrats today.
Holly Cairns set to become leader of Social Democrats as other candidates ruled out
Co-leaders Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy announced earlier this week that they were stepping down.
Nominations for Social Democrats' leadership to open tomorrow morning
The party’s National Executive met this evening.
'Right time to hand over reins': Murphy and Shortall step down as SocDem co-leaders
The two TDs announced that a leadership election would take place at an “early date”.
Long overdue ethics laws to keep politicians in check can't be delayed, say opposition
Minister Michael McGrath says very many of Sipo’s asks will be included in legislation reforms.
Last year
2022
Mater Hospital confirms Long Covid Clinic is set to close in December due to a lack of funding
However, a spokesperson for the hospital said it is willing to extend the operation of the Long Covid clinic into the new year.
'€5,000 for your child being taken? You would get multiples of that for a whiplash injury'
Opposition TDs have sharply criticised the Mother and Baby Homes redress scheme.
Social Protection Minister appears to rule out €20 increase in social welfare payments
Minister Humphreys said there ‘won’t be any money left’ for other measures if this were done.
'That's the plan': Murphy and Shortall to lead Soc Dems into the next general election as co-leaders
The party think-in is taking place in Dublin today.
Housing is government's 'biggest failure', Social Democrats say at national conference
Members of the Social Democrats convened today for its first in-person conference since 2019.
All time
Rent freeze, free transport, more homes: Here's what other parties say they would do if in power
A refundable tax credit is contained in Sinn Féin’s alternative budget.
Social Democrats likely contenders to lead German coalition government as exploratory talks begin
Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel will remain in office until a new government is in place.
Berlin proposal 'isn't necessarily' the answer to Ireland's housing woes, says Eoin Ó Broin
Berliners voted in favour of forcing large landlords to hand over apartments to the state.
Post-election haggling begins in Germany as multiple parties seek to form government coalition
For a country used to political stability after 16 years of Angela Merkel’s steady leadership, the coming weeks and months promise to be a rocky ride.
Preliminary official results showed that the centre-left Social Democrats narrowly won the vote.
Angela Merkel's centre-right Christian Democrat bloc had its worst result since 1949.
Would-be successor Armin Laschet claims right to try to build the next government .
Opposition parties call for inquiry into abuse in the Defence Forces
Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats and Labour have called for an independent inquiry into the issue, which was revealed in an RTÉ documentary today.