Cian O’Callaghan appointed as new deputy leader of Social Democrats

Dublin Bay North TD Cian O’Callaghan has been appointed as the new deputy leader of the Social Democrats.

The move was announced on Tuesday by party leader Holly Cairns, who said “Cian is a really dedicated public repersenatative for Dublin Bay North, as both a TD for Dublin Bay North and through his role as party spokesperson on housing.”

“Cian’s track record as a parliamentarian has been outstanding,” she said.

“Since his election, he has challenged the litany of failed housing policies by this Government – policies which have resulted in declining levels of home ownership, crippling rents and record numbers of people living in emergency homeless accommodation.”

“With housing continuing to dominate the political agenda, Cian will play a key role in proposing workable solutions to the crisis.”

“Cian brings a wealth of experience to the role of deputy leader. Prior to winning a Dáil seat in 2020, he was a councillor for many years and is a former Fingal Mayor. He also served as national organiser for the Social Democrats.”

“I’m so excited to build on the foundations, vision and core principles laid down by Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy when they founded the Social Democrats in 2015,” Cairns added.

Deputy O’Callaghan remarked “I am delighted to take up this position at such an exciting time for the Social Democrats. The momentum behind the party since Holly took over as leader has been phenomenal and puts us in a very strong position as we head into next year’s Local and European Elections.”

“Along with my parliamentary party colleagues, councillors and valued members of the Social Democrats around the country, I look forward to continuing our journey as a growing political force in Ireland” and said he looked forward to “building a progressive alternative to the status quo.”

The Social Democrats are looking to build upon their strong recent polling, which many political pundits tipping the party as a coalition partner for the victor of the next general election.

O’Callaghan began his political career as a Labour councillor on Fingal County Council in 2009, before leaving the party in 2013 over disputes arising from Labour’s coalition with Fine Gael.

The TD was among the first wave of Social Democrat TDs to stand for election in the 2016 general election, failing to get elected at the time before successfully winning a seat in the 2020 general election.