Breakthrough for Social Democrats in Cork as Quaide and Rice win Dáil seats

The Social Democrats have described the tripling of their Dáil seats in Cork as a “historic breakthrough”, with Pádraig Rice and Liam Quaide elected in Cork South Central and Cork East, respectively.

Mr Rice, who won a seat on Cork City Council in June, took over 8% of the first-preference vote in Friday’s general election in Cork South Central, surprising many who had predicted the seat would go to Labour or an Independent candidate.

Mr Quaide, who retained his seat on Cork County Council in this year’s local elections, attracted 10% in first preferences, but had conceded the election on X prior to his election.

“A respectable showing with 10% first preference but I don’t see a way through to ultimately make the top four in Cork East. I may briefly get into that fray with later Green transfers, but these will not be enough to see me through,” Mr Quaide had written.

Continued trend

However, the party has continued their trend from the locals and 2020 general election of being one of the most transfer-friendly parties in the country, with Mr Quaide picking up an additional 2,954 votes via transfers across 12 counts, and Mr Rice receiving 4,874 over 18 counts.

Commenting after his election, Mr Rice said: “I’m deeply honoured to have been elected as a TD for Cork South Central.

“We ran a really energetic campaign and knocked on thousands of doors right across the constituency. I had a fantastic team of volunteers who put their hearts and souls into getting me elected.

“I would like to thank everyone I met during the campaign. On the doors, people shared their worries, hardships, and concerns.

“One thing is crystal clear: People want to see real change in relation to housing, healthcare, disability, childcare, and climate. I hope this election is the catalyst for that change.”

Mr Quaide added: “Today is a very proud day for me and my family, and indeed for the Social Democrats. I am overwhelmed by the trust that has been placed in me by the people of Cork East.

Ringing endorsement

“I intend to use my position as a TD to continue campaigning on issues such as affordable housing, disability, and reform of mental health services, as well as being a strong voice in the Dáil for my constituents.

“The ringing endorsement given to the Social Democrats in this election will further our fight for improved public services and a fairer, more equal society.”

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns, who retained her seat in Cork South West despite not being able to vote for herself or attend the count centre as she had just given birth to her first child, has also seen her party’s national representation almost double as the party goes from six to 11 seats, despite its two co-founders stepping down from politics.

Incredible achievement

Ms Cairns said: “It is an incredible achievement to win seats in these two highly competitive constituencies.

“This victory is a testament to Pádraig and Liam’s hard work on the ground as councillors, and the hugely positive campaign they both ran. This breakthrough also marks a major milestone for the Social Democrats. The surge in we have seen in this election, in Cork and all around the country, makes it very clear that people out there want a new kind of politics.

“The Social Democrats did not engage in auction politics. We were clear with the electorate about what our dealbreakers for government would be, and that message of honesty and transparency resonated with huge numbers of people.”