Catherine Murphy and Róisín Shortall to stand down at next election

SOCIAL Democrats leader Holly Cairns has paid tribute to former party co-leaders Catherine Murphy and Róisín Shortall who have announced they will not contest the forthcoming general election.

The former co-leaders made the announcement on Tuesday, saying it was time for a new generation to take over.

In a statement released after the announcement, West Cork TD Ms Cairns described her colleagues as "trailblazers" in Irish politics and said Ms Murphy and Ms Shortall will both remain involved and working with the party, albeit in less demanding roles. 

Ms Cairns pointed to Róisín Shortall being the State’s longest-serving female TD and her work reforming the health service, and Catherine Murphy's focus on affordable housing and transparency and accountability in public life.

“However, their most enduring legacy will be establishing the Social Democrats in 2015,” she said.

“They founded the party in the belief that the creation of a better Ireland required a strong social democratic party, with an unwavering commitment to core principles of equality, sustainability and accountability.

“Having built the party from nothing, it now has six TDs and 35 councillors and is a hugely positive force in Irish politics.” 

She added, “On a personal basis, I can say that I would not be in politics were it not for Catherine and Róisín’s decision to set up the Social Democrats.

“Their commitment to public service, belief in the possibility of a fairer society and dedication to strictly adhering to social democratic principles were, and are, an inspiration to me and many others."

Despite stepping back from frontline politics, the two “leave behind a party with strong roots, huge promise and great potential,” she said, highlighting that the party had nearly doubled their number of councillors in the recent local elections, a growth she is determined to continue in the forthcoming general election.

“I am unashamedly ambitious about the future of this country, and the role the Social Democrats will play in building it. I know, like my predecessors, that a better Ireland is possible, and I remain hugely grateful to Catherine and Róisín for all they have done to help us achieve it,” she concluded.

East Cork councillor for the party, Liam Quaide told The Echo, “Róisín and Catherine are leaving a legacy they can be immensely proud of - a progressive party that they built from the ground up, and that is growing in strength.

“They share an exceptional record of public service between them, based on hard graft and an unflagging pursuit of a fairer society.” 

Cork City South Pádraig Rice added, “I joined the Social Democrats on day one in 2015 and have worked closely with both Catherine Murphy TD and Róisín Shortall TD to help build the party from scratch.

“I served with them on the Committee that wrote the party’s constitution and helped them organise the first set of regional meetings when the party was just starting out.

“I have always admired their hard work and dedication to building a fairer, more equal Ireland for all. The party will continue campaigning for that vision with a new generation of leaders.

“Personally, I would like to wish them both well as they prepare to depart frontline politics.”