Social Democrats say 50,000 affordable homes is their 'red line' for government

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns insists her party does want to serve in government, calling for the public to provide the Social Democrats with a 'strong mandate to go in and wield as much influence as possible in the next government'. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA
A pledge to build 50,000 affordable homes and a senior minister responsible for for disability are the red lines for the Social Democrats going into Government, party leader Holly Cairns has said.
Ms Cairns insists her party does want to serve in government, calling for the public to provide the Social Democrats with a âstrong mandate to go in and wield as much influence as possible in the next governmentâ.
The Cork South West TD was speaking as she launched the Social Democrats election candidates, promising a different approach to politicians who often overpromise and under-deliver.
âI think people would like a different approach, I think people would like something a bit more straight talking. You can have that feeling where you know where you stand with the party,â Ms Cairns said.
The Social Democrats leader was clear that her partyâs red lines would be on housing and disability, particularly on 50,000 affordable homes a year and a senior minister for disability.
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âWe think these things should be bare minimum for Ireland at the moment,â Ms Cairns said.
While 50,000 affordable homes would be a dealbreaker, Ms Cairns criticise Fine Gaelâs position on the Help to Buy scheme as their own red line.
âIt is a scheme that has put petrol on the flames of a housing disaster, and basically increased the price of housing,â Ms Cairns said.
âItâs like giving somebody a tiny shovel to get out of a massive hole.â Ms Cairns said that Help to Buy would not be a priority for her party in Government, but conceded that compromises are made in negotiations to form a coalition.
âWe have to be reasonable about the reality of this, thereâs going to be a coalition. Itâs about what can we get into that programme for government,â she added.
Ms Cairns also spoke about her pregnancy, with her due date expected before the end of the campaign, saying that it is a âjuggling actâ for her at present.
âIn a very competitive constituency, having gone into this role and the pregnancy as well, but all we can do is play it day by day, and so far so good,â she said.
However, she thanked her party colleagues, saying that the Social Democrats have âalways been very supportive of women in politicsâ.
âI mean, if I could pick, I wouldnât pick this timing, itâs not ideal, but it is what it is.â