Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns welcomes baby girl on day of ...

In the post, Ms Cairns said that she and her partner were “completely in love with her”.

The baby was born in Cork University Maternity Hospital earlier on Friday.

“Holly’s baby girl arrived early today — on election day. Holly and her partner Barry are over the moon,” a Social Democrats spokesperson said.

A name for the baby girl has yet to be confirmed.

Ms Cairns stepped back from the election campaign earlier this month, with the party leader focusing on campaigning in Cork and online.

The arrival of the newborn does mean that Ms Cairns will be unable to vote for herself in the tightly contested Cork South West constituency.

Ms Cairns has received congratulations and well wishes from politicians from across the Dáil.

Among those sending well wishes to Ms Cairns was the Taoiseach who took to X to send his well wishes.

"Congratulations Holly and Barry. Wonderful news. Wishing the three of you a lifetime of happiness and good health," Simon Harris wrote.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin welcomed the new Corkonian as well, telling the new parents to "cherish and enjoy every moment with your beautiful new baby girl".

Meanwhile, Mary Lou McDonald sent her comhghairdeas saying it was "such great news".

"She will bring you untold happiness and joy. Wishing you all the very best. Enjoy these first days. They are some of the most special in life," the Sinn Féin leader said.

Some of Ms Cairns' Social Democrats colleagues also shared their joy on social media as did Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman and Labour leader Ivana Bacik.

Hours after posting the big news on her Instagram, Ms Cairns posted one last message urging people to get out and vote.

"So it turns out I won't be able to vote today," she wrote, clarifying that it was "for the best possible reason."

Referring to her first election, the local election in 2019, Ms Cairns joked: "It's going to come down to one vote again, isn't it".