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

Holly Cairns was speaking as she launched the Social Democrats election candidates, promising a different approach to politicians who often overpromise and under-deliver

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 “strong mandate to go in and wield as much influence as possible in the next government”.

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.

“I 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,” Ms Cairns said.

The Social Democrats leader was clear that her party’s 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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“We think these things should be bare minimum for Ireland at the moment,” Ms Cairns said.

While 50,000 affordable homes would be a dealbreaker, Ms Cairns criticise Fine Gael’s position on the Help to Buy scheme as their own red line.

“It is a scheme that has put petrol on the flames of a housing disaster, and basically increased the price of housing,” Ms Cairns said.

“It’s like giving somebody a tiny shovel to get out of a massive hole.” 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.

“We have to be reasonable about the reality of this, there’s going to be a coalition. It’s about what can we get into that programme for government,” 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 “juggling act” for her at present.

“In 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,” she said.

However, she thanked her party colleagues, saying that the Social Democrats have “always been very supportive of women in politics”.

“I mean, if I could pick, I wouldn’t pick this timing, it’s not ideal, but it is what it is.”