Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes takes on new role amid past controversies

Eoin Hayes has been appointed Social Democrats spokesperson on social protection after being readmitted to the party earlier this year

Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes leaving Leinster House. Picture: Sam Boal/ Collins Photos

Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes has been appointed the party’s spokesperson on social protection, nearly a year after his election to the Dáil.

In a statement on Wednesday, party leader Holly Cairns confirmed that Mr Hayes will take over the brief formerly held by Cork East TD Liam Quaide.

“I know Deputy Hayes will work hard in this brief, on behalf of some of the most vulnerable people in the country, and continue to ensure the government faces strong and constructive opposition,” Ms Cairns said.

Mr Hayes was readmitted to the Social Democrats parliamentary party in late July after being suspended over his ownership of shares in the controversial US company Palantir.

The TD was initially suspended last December after he gave incorrect information to the media about when he disposed of the shares in Palantir, a US firm that supplies the IDF with artificial intelligence tools.

Mr Hayes faced further controversy last month after photos emerged showing him wearing a ‘blackface’ Halloween costume.

He apologised for dressing as Barack Obama in 2009, a costume that included brown makeup on his hands and face.

Blackface costumes are widely criticised for perpetuating racial stereotypes rooted in 19th-century US minstrel shows, where white performers darkened their faces with shoe polish and mocked enslaved Africans.

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