Stephen Donnelly’s departure was ‘no surprise’

He got the public googling after his performance during the seven-person TV debate of the general election campaign, putting the Social Democrats firmly on the political stage.

Stephen Donnelly, second right, with RTÉ presenter Claire Byrne and the six other leaders in the TV debate. Picture: FusionShooters

Stephen Donnelly — now formerly a joint-leader of the Social Democrats — came out as a winner of the second televised political debate of the election campaign and was the most searched leader on Google that night.

But despite his party gaining three seats in the current Dáil and achieving 3% of first preference votes, since then many have said Mr Donnelly has avoided the limelight with his two colleagues constantly walking the plinth, acting as the public faces of the fledgling party.