Local Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan will step in as acting leader of the party from October, as party leader Holly Cairns announces she is expecting her second child.
In a statement on Thursday afternoon, Cairns said, “I am so happy to announce that we are expecting our second child. Barry and I are so excited and feel extremely lucky to be able to raise our family in West Cork.”
Cairns said, “I have always said that having a family should not be disqualifying for a political party leader, and I am very grateful to have the support of our parliamentary party and my constituents in Cork South-West.”
“Our deputy leader, Cian O’Callaghan, will step into the role of acting leader in October for the duration of my maternity leave,” she confirmed.
O’Callaghan previously served as acting leader of the party between November 2024 and September 2025, when Cairns gave birth to her first child.
The Dublin Bay North TD has served as deputy leader of the party since July 2023, has deputised for Cairns on occasion in the Dáil, and took part in the RTÉ leaders’ debate in the 2024 general election.
The party is enjoying a wave of positive publicity following Daniel Ennis’ by-election win in Dublin Central, with the party consistently polling between 8-10% in nationwide opinion polls and Cairns topping polls of party leader favourability.
Cairns has been vocal about the lack of options available to politicians who wish to avail of maternity leave in Ireland.
In an Irish Times interview in November 2o25, Cairns said, “I think it’s important not to sugar-coat it,” when asked about being a first-time mother and politician.
“It is difficult. It has been hard, and we’re always figuring it out as we go,” she told the publication.