'This has been a monumental week for me, both personally and politically,' says Holly Cairns

The Social Democrats leader gave birth to a baby girl on election day 

Supporters of Holly Cairns celebrate at the count centre in Mallow. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has thanked the staff of Cork University Maternity Hospital for her care over the weekend after she gave birth to a baby girl on election day.

In a statement, Ms Cairns said that she and her family were treated with “incredible care and kindness throughout my pregnancy and this weekend”.