Social Democrats

At our National Conference this February, we hosted a seminar where members from the LGBTQI+ community shared their concerns. One thing is clear: we've got a long way to go in Ireland. The Social Democrats are committed to true equality for the LGBTQIA+ community – this Pride month, and always.

We need to see long term planning of how public money is raised and spent. But FF/FG don't seem interested in anything beyond getting re-elected in the next few years. We’re not in this for easy wins and quick fixes, we’re in it to change Ireland for the better for now, and for the future.

5,604 children are now homeless. Record evictions and record rents are driving families into crisis. This cannot become normal.

Meet your new TD for Dublin Central – North Strand's own Daniel Ennis.

Ireland is scheduled to play Israel twice later this year. On 10 June, the Dáil will debate a Social Democrats’ motion demanding the Govt withdraw support for these games. If you want to #StopTheGame, contact your local TDs and ask them to support our motion.

Adults with intellectual disabilities are being left without the support they need. Families need proper respite care, funded disability housing and clear timelines now. The current system is failing people with disabilities and their loved ones.

Not one Health Minister stayed for the debate last night on 0.0 alcohol advertising. The Government says public health matters, but dismissed practical proposals without engagement. People deserve better from politics and better from Government.

Parents in their 70s, 80s and 90s are still acting as full-time carers. Families should not have to wait for a parent to die before support arrives. Adults with disabilities deserve secure homes in their own communities.

GP reform was unanimously backed by the Dáil. Three months later, communities are still waiting. GPs in disadvantaged areas need support now.

An EPA report has warned that we are miles off reaching our 2030 emissions targets. Missing these targets won't just have environmental or social costs – the EU fines that come with missing them will cost us dearly. Is the govt playing chicken with the EU in the hopes they just won't fine us?

Over 17,000 people are homeless in Ireland. More than 5,000 are children. This housing crisis is not inevitable. It is the result of political choices.

Without services included, the Occupied Territories Bill will be toothless. Yet, the govt continues to scaremonger around the economic impacts. Meanwhile, Spain's own OTB includes services, and they have yet to see backlash from the EU or the US. So why is govt holding out?

It's our new TD's first day – so we asked him all of the burning questions.

Nearly €500 million was spent on emergency accommodation last year. But the real cost is the trauma carried by children and families. Homelessness is a political failure.

A politics of decency, hope, and inclusion won out in Dublin Central last week. Our new TD Daniel Ennis is determined to represent not just those who lent him their vote, but everyone who calls Dublin Central home.

This weekend marked a pivotal moment for the Social Democrats. It's clear that people are looking for an alternative to this govt – and more and more people are looking to us as that alternative. We are determined to keep building, and ambitious for Ireland's future.

How was your weekend? We won’t lie – ours was pretty good.

A nurse’s entire take-home pay now barely covers the average Dublin rent. People are being evicted while sick, grieving and struggling. This housing crisis is causing real human misery.

You do not need political experience to make a difference. You just need to care about Ireland’s future. Join the Social Democrats and help build something better.

These by-elections have been monumental for the Social Democrats. From gaining another seat in Dublin Central, to seeing our best ever result in Galway West, we've got real momentum. It's clear that people want an alternative – why not join us and be part of it? www.socialdemocrats.ie/join/

You should join the Social Democrats … And here’s why according to just a few of our members …

You should join the Social Democrats … And here’s why according to just a few of our members …

It’s today. Polls are open. Your vote is your voice and every vote counts. Vote Daniel Ennis number 1 for Dublin Central and Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich number 1 for Galway West.

One day to go, and the pace of the campaign hasn’t let up. For one last time, here are the scenes from Galway West! And don’t forget — tomorrow, vote Míde no.1.

Young people from all over the Gaeltacht are leaving in their droves. And a major part of the reason why is the housing disaster. The Social Democrats have a plan to kickstart housing delivery in Gaeltacht areas. Tomorrow, vote for solutions over stagnation. Vote Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich number 1.

Year on year, rents are up 7% in Dublin, 13% in Cork and a whopping 18% in Galway. A generation of young people are being priced out of their future. They should not feel embarrassed, the Government should feel embarrassed for failing them.

Has Galway's public transport system ever left you stranded? Chances are it has – and it never gets any less frustrating. A lack of vision and ambition have stalled major projects that could vastly improve daily life here. Galway West needs a TD with that vision and ambition. Vote Míde number 1.

Tomorrow, polls open in the Galway West and Dublin Central by-elections. This is a real opportunity for the SocDems to add two fantastic representatives to our Dáil team. It's a chance to change Ireland for the better. Make sure to put pen to purple tomorrow, and vote Dan and Míde number 1.

2 cities. 100s of canvassers. This Friday, vote for change, vote Daniel Ennis for Dublin Central and Míde NicFhionnlaoich for Galway West.

Today 100 people have come out to get Daniel Ennis elected and spread his message. We need a TD who will represent his community in Dublin Central with pride, courage, and positivity. Vote Daniel Ennis number 1 this Friday 22nd May.

Why do we need Míde in the Dáil? Well... where to start? Míde is a tireless, outspoken advocate for the Gaeltacht, for neutrality, for a better future for young people in Galway West and beyond. On May 22, vote Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich number 1.

For many young people, the recession was their first exposure to politics. Seeing people who weren't to blame for the crash bearing the brunt of austerity had an effect on many – including Míde. We cannot let FF/FG lead us back down that road. On Friday, vote for positive change, vote Míde no.1

In Galway West, we have a history of strong, progressive voices, from outspoken Presidents to the Gaeltacht civil rights movement. As your TD, Míde will work tirelessly to live up to the standard set by those who stood up for what was right. This Friday, vote for positive change. Vote Míde no.1

Twelve Irish citizens were detained while trying to deliver aid to Gaza including the sister of our Head of State. International law continues to be ignored while Governments refuse to act. Words mean nothing without action and accountability.

This is the Government’s chance to finally end cruel dog breeding practices. Puppy farm legislation must include strict caps, staffing ratios and real enforcement. Animal welfare cannot depend on weak regulation and under-resourced inspections.

We need a TD who will represent his community in Dublin Central with pride, courage, and positivity. We need a TD who will speak out for those who are left behind. We need Dan in the Dáil. Vote Daniel Ennis number 1 this Friday 22nd May.

When new housing is being built, it's vital that infrastructure, like schools, can keep up. But that's not what we've seen across Galway West. We need to have more joined up thinking, so that no child is left without an appropriate school place. This Friday, vote for positive change – vote Míde.

The illegal detainment of Dr Margaret Connolly and other humanitarian volunteers is once again highlighting the urgent need for us to take meaningful action against Israel’s rogue conduct. Ireland is failing to meet its obligations under international law.

It's more important than ever to stand up for our natural world. If we want to keep our natural world thriving for future generations, we need to put the work in now. We need more voices in the Dáil who are committed to our environment and the natural world. We need voices like Míde's.

Recognising the problems that people across Galway West face is one thing. But wanting to be part of a positive solution is another. This Friday, vote for the party of public services: vote Míde no.1.

Over 14,500 derelict buildings in Dublin when there's a housing crisis is shocking. Daniel Ennis is proud of Dublin Central and passionate about making it a better place to live. Vote for solutions over stagnation. Vote Daniel Ennis number 1 this Friday 22nd May.

What are the issues on the doors in Galway West, and what's been the maddest moment of the campaign so far? Sinéad Gibney caught up with Míde on the campaign trail last week to ask these important questions and more. This Friday, vote for change, vote for Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich.

The cost of living has people right across Dublin Central merely surviving. But the Social Democrats have real solutions to tackle this crisis, and allow people to thrive not just in Dublin, but right across Ireland. Vote for solutions over stagnation. Vote for Daniel Ennis on the 22nd of May.

Daniel Ennis is proud of Dublin Central and passionate about making it a better place to live. Vote for solutions over stagnation. Vote for hope over hate. Vote for positive change over broken promises. This May 22, vote Daniel Ennis number 1.

The inspiring story of how Dan got into politics. We need a TD who will represent his community in Dublin Central with pride, courage, and positivity. This May 22, vote for change, vote for Daniel Ennis.

Across Galway West, people are affected by the housing crisis, the cost of living, the endless gridlock on our roads. And govt after govt have failed to tackle these issues. But they can be fixed. We need a TD to represent Galway West with pride, courage and positivity. We need Míde in the Dáil.

The housing crisis has become a social catastrophe with ripple effects across every part of society. A state construction company is viable, costed and badly needed. We need a TD who will fight every day for housing, childcare and public services. That person is Dan.

Despite being a major Irish city, Galway has been left behind time and time again. There is so much missed potential – from housing, to transport, to infrastructure. We need a TD who will stand up and fight every day for Galway city. We need Míde in the Dáil.

Emergency accommodation in our capital is appalling, with 10% of Ireland's homeless population living on Gardiner St alone. It's a result of years of neglect and poor policy-making by FF/FG. There's never been a more vital time to send them a message. This May 22, vote for change, vote for Dan.

Families are paying a second mortgage on childcare while Ireland remains one of the most expensive countries in Europe. A public childcare model would cut costs and support providers. Vote for a person who is proud of his roots and passionate about raising his family in Dublin Central.

Before the last election, FF/FG were in panic mode, making big promises to voters. FF were going to cap childcare fees at €200/month, and FG promised a plan for a public childcare model. Yet now there's no sign of these plans. We need to elect people who deliver solutions, not broken promises.

Ireland should have some of the cheapest energy in Europe. Instead, households are paying some of the highest bills. We need urgent investment in wind, solar and the grid.

Nurses deserve more than applause. Safe staffing, workplace protections and proper support matter. A health service cannot keep running on burnout and political failure.

The Taoiseach seems to think that unashamedly going back on election promises is just par for the course. People believed FG/FF when they promised a public model of childcare, and a reduction in fees. Their disinterest in actually improving people's lives is staggering.

Some might think Míde is too young to be a TD. But her youth doesn't make her any less experienced, knowledgeable, or passionate about the issues that affect Galway West. There has never been a more important time to send Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil a strong message. On May 22nd, vote Míde # 1.

Good news for Scoil Linbh Íosa today …

The housing crisis is devastating communities across Dublin. Children are growing up in emergency accommodation while families are trapped in damp, neglected homes. We need a TD who will fight every day for housing, childcare and public services. That person is Daniel Ennis.

Just shy of eight years ago, we celebrated the Repeal of the Eighth Amendment. We celebrated because it was a milestone. For women's rights, for gender equality, and for progress. Tonight, TDs will have a choice to honour the commitments made during that referendum.

The housing crisis is felt particularly acutely by Gaeltacht areas. That's why this week we launched a five-point Gaeltacht housing plan. Tá duine diongbháilte ag teastáil i nDáil Éireann atá sásta labhairt amach ar son phobail na Gaeltachta. An 22 Bealtaine seo, vótáil do Mhíde.

There’s nothing “brave” about voting to increase the rents of people living in damp, mouldy homes. We need a TD who will stand up for people across Dublin Central, who will speak out for those who are left behind. This 22 May, vote for change, vote #1 Daniel Ennis.

People who fought for Repeal would be stunned to see the approach Sinn Féin are taking to abortion reform and our legislation, the Reproductive Rights (Amendment) Bill. It's appalling to see a self-proclaimed progressive party turn heel on progressing women's healthcare.

Repeal was a watershed moment for progress. It's not good enough to let that progress stagnate, and avoid dealing with ongoing issues in abortion services. We need this Bill to be debated. The Dáil votes on our Bill tonight – if you want to see it passed to the next stage, email your TD today.

The promise of Repeal has yet to be fulfilled. Today, the Social Democrats brought a bill that would finally put into action the recommendations of the O'Shea report. But we can't do it without you. Email your TD today and ask them to support the Reproductive Rights (Amendment) Bill 2026.

Tomorrow, we’ll be discussing our Reproductive Rights (Amendment) Bill in the Dáil. We need you to ask your TDs to back this bill and get it to the next stage. It’s time for us to trust women. It’s time for us to show compassion. It’s time for us to get the Repeal we voted for.

Paramedics have taken on hugely expanded responsibilities over the past 15 years. They provide frontline emergency care but are still paid significantly less than comparable medical professionals. They deserve fair pay and recognition.

Meta’s algorithms are causing real harm, especially to children. Big Tech keeps running rings around regulators while protections are being weakened instead of enforced. Algorithms should be off by default and fully off for children.

Eight years ago, Ireland voted for choice, compassion and trusting women. Yet women are still being forced to travel for care. Contact your TDs and ask them to support the Reproductive Rights Bill this Wednesday. Give us the Repeal we voted for.

No child should be excluded from sport or culture because of cost. The Social Democrats’ €150 sports and culture voucher would help break down barriers to participation and ensure every young person gets the chance to take part. Sport, culture and participation should be for everyone.

Henry St is a bustling shopping district in the north inner city. But once shops close in the evening, it becomes a ghost town. There's much more we could be doing to reinvigorate areas like this. We need a strong voice in the Dáil for rejuvenation and community building, On May 22nd vote Dan.

So far, the govt have stalled on implementing the recommendations of the O'Shea report. That's why this week, the Social Democrats are bringing the Reproductive Rights (Amendment) Bill to the Dáil. But we shouldn't have had to. For a strong voice on women's rights in the Dáil, vote Míde no. 1.

66.4% of us voted for Repeal in 2018. It’s time we get the Repeal we voted for. We know Repealers haven’t gone anywhere. So we need you to be vocal again and show your support. Ask your TDs to back the Reproductive Rights (Amendment) Bill this week in the Dáil.

We need a TD who will fight every day for housing, healthcare, and transport for Galway West. That person is Míde. This May 22, vote for change, vote Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich number 1.

Daniel Ennis is proud of Dublin Central and passionate about making it a better place to live. That includes making the city centre a place for us all to enjoy – not just for tourists or shoppers, but for the communities that call the city home. This May 22, vote for change, vote Daniel Ennis.

The Social Democrats are proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community, whether it’s by engaging with organisations, supporting Pride festivals, or raising issues in the Dáil. As your TD, Dan will continue that legacy with passion and dedication. Your vote is your voice – vote for Dan on May 22.

Born and raised in Conamara, Míde is living proof that rural Ireland isn’t the monolith the media makes it out to be. The idea that whole areas are conservative by default is false and insulting. It's time to send a message to those sowing division in our communities. Vote Míde no.1 on May 22nd

The cost of living is out of control in Galway West and across Ireland. We need a strong voice to call out government in the Dáil. This May 22, vote for change, vote for Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich.

Daniel Ennis proud of his roots and passionate about being a strong example for young people across Dublin Central. He spoke to Holly about overcoming his imposter syndrome to break down barriers for others. This May 22, vote #1 Daniel Ennis.

Follow Senator Patricia Stephenson for a day as she takes part in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe…

Fine Gael's broken promises keep piling up. One of the most damning is their failure to enact the Occupied Territories Bill. It's been eight years since it was introduced. It's been over a year since this govt came into power. Yet still no sign of the Bill. No more delays, no more inaction.

Long before starting in politics, Daniel was working to make his community more inclusive. He’s passionate about ensuring no community in Dublin Central gets left behind. In the Dáil, Dan will continue to fight for families and ensure Dublin Central gets the services it deserves.

Today Sinéad Gibney introduced the Work Life Balance Bill to the Dáil. It ensures that the right to flexible and remote working are more secure, and that the power imbalance between employers and their employees is addressed. Email your TD, and ask them to back flexible workers, and back our bill.

This week, Sen Patricia Stephenson's scheme allowing domestic violence survivors to avail of three months of free travel, has become available. It means that, wherever you are in the country, leaving an abusive situation just got that bit easier. Apply here to avail of the scheme: buff.ly/U4AxhqL

Everyone in society benefits from a public model of childcare. From employers and workers in the now, to healthcare services and policing into the future. A public model of childcare isn’t radical. It’s responsible.

The E1 settlement plan would devastate any hope of a two state solution and displace Palestinian communities across the West Bank. As Gaza endures ongoing horror, the Irish Government still has not passed the Occupied Territories Bill it promised. Words aren't enough anymore. The Gov must act.

Ireland has the highest electricity prices in Europe. 317,000 households are already in arrears, while Government delays action. We need targeted energy supports now and long-term savings through Solar for All.

People can’t wait until October for help with bills. We need targeted supports now, including a €400 energy credit and disability payment. Solar for All would cut costs long term. Why won’t Government act?

Renters in Galway are facing worsening conditions every day. It's crystal clear that FF/FG have completely abandoned them. The Social Democrats are committed to strengthening protections against rent increases, poor living conditions, and unfair evictions. Vote Míde No.1 on May 22nd.

Energy bills are continuing to rise. And this govt are simply throwing money at the issue without any targeting or any measures to prevent this happening again. We need supports for today and solutions for tomorrow.

Too many people in Dublin don’t feel safe in their own communities. We don’t need more reports. We need visible policing now and real investment in youth and community services. Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live.

Energy bills are pushing households into arrears. We need a targeted energy credit now, and long-term action through Solar for All. Even Government admits our solar proposals deserve serious consideration.

You have until midnight tonight to register to vote! Is do vóta do ghlór. Galway West or Dublin Central: last call to register ahead of the May 22 by-elections. Super quick, you just need your PPSN and your Eircode - visit checktheregister.ie now! Remember, your vote is your voice!

People in Galway West are worried about the basics - housing, bills, healthcare, and their children’s future. They want change, not more of the same. Míde is a hardworking, committed candidate who will fight for real solutions and a better future for Galway.

St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre is one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks. So it deserves better than poor design and neglect. The latest proposal falls far short. Dubliners deserve quality, care and ambition. Join us 📍 Saturday, 9th May, 1pm to make your voice heard.

After 14 years in power, this Government has turned a housing crisis into a housing disaster. The consequences are everywhere with rising homelessness, unaffordable rents, and deepening inequality across society. People can see the impact in their daily lives.