Holly Cairns, leader of the Social Democrats, took to Instagram on a recent Saturday to disclose that she and her partner, Barry Looney, are expecting their first child, a daughter. Keeping the news secret had increasingly become a struggle, she confessed. Expressing her joy over the impending parenthood, she explained it was a long-held desire of theirs. Despite her happiness at sharing the announcement, she admitted to some initial reticence, as their path to starting a family hadn’t been without complications.
At 34 years old, Cairns expressed optimism for her pregnancy and acknowledged the challenge of balancing her job as a political party leader with upcoming motherhood. She, however, feels fortunate to be part of an organisation that champions parents and advocates greater representation in politics through the #MoreMna initiative. Cairns expressed gratitude for the firm support from her team, which she highly regards.
This positive personal news, along with the Social Democrats’ recent surge in local seats, from 19 to 35, has invigorated her commitment to leading the party into the next elections.
As a young party leader in the Dáil, Cairns has had experience working overseas in disability services before relocating back to Cork to manage her family’s farm and business. Her political journey began with a win in the 2019 local elections that led to her securing a seat in the Cork Country Council and subsequently getting elected as a TD the following year. She assumed the leadership of the Social Democrats in March the previous year.
Throughout her term in the Dáil, Cairns has represented her party in discussions concerning Agriculture, Food, Marine, Further and Higher Education, and Disability. Her partner, Barry Looney, runs the West Cork Hotel in Skibbereen, a property owned by his family.
Despite not succeeding in securing an MEP seat in the European elections, Ms Cairns expressed immense pride. She commended the outstanding efforts demonstrated in the campaigns led by Rory Hearne in Midlands North West, Susan Doyle in Ireland South, and Sinead Gibney in Dublin.