Holly Cairns: 'It does affect your personal life, there's no doubt about it'

Holly Cairns: 'If there had been more women at that decision-making table, then issues such as partners being let into maternity hospitals or the issue of maternity leave for female representatives would have been addressed' Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Cork South West Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns has spoken honestly about the personal toll being a TD has taken, confirming her relationship with Fianna Fáil TD Christopher O’Sullivan has ended.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, the highly-rated debutant TD, who has fought loudly for women’s rights in the 33rd Dáil, speaks out about the need for more women at the top level of politics, doing battle with Micheál Martin and suffering abuse online.