Former Social Democrats co-leaders will not contest next election
Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Both former co-leaders of the Social Democrats will not contest the next election, the party has announced.
Both Catherine Murphy and Róisín Shortall led the party from its inception in 2015 until last year. They said it was time for a new generation to take over.
Ms Murphy said being a TD for her area had been an honour.
“I love my job and have always had a deep passion for my work and tackling the many pressing social, environmental, economic and governmental issues we still face.
“It has been such a privilege to work in politics alongside colleagues who have shared my energy, commitment and vision for the future. It has also been my absolute honour to represent the people of Kildare North and I want to thank them for their continued support for so many years.
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“While I am bowing out of representational politics, I will continue to work in whatever way I can to support Holly Cairns and the next generation in Kildare and elsewhere, in advocating for and delivering on a social democratic future.”
Ms Shortall said she is very proud to have had the chance to serve as a TD for Dublin North West for almost 32 years.
“Representing my constituents and actively contributing to public debate on national issues have been my priorities as a TD. I have a strong belief in the power of politics as a force for good. Politics has enormous potential to make people’s lives better and to create a fairer and more progressive country. I have worked in furtherance of those goals over the course of my career.
“While I have decided to step down from frontline politics, I hope to continue to work to build on progress already made in the development of the Social Democrats party. I truly believe the Party can make a major contribution to creating a better Ireland for all.”
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