Medical advice forces Holly Cairns to miss start of Dáil term

The Social Democrats leader announced earlier this year that she and her partner, Barry Looney, were expecting their second child and would take maternity leave from October

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns will miss her party’s think-in in Dublin on Tuesday, 'but she hopes to return to the Dáil in a few weeks'. File picture

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns will miss her party’s think-in in Dublin on Tuesday following medical advice during her pregnancy.

It means that the Cork South-West TD will also miss the start of the new Dáil term on Wednesday, as well as the weeks running up to the budget.

Ms Cairns announced earlier this year that she and her partner, Barry Looney, were expecting their second child and would take maternity leave from October.

The Social Democrats will be the final political party to hold their think-in as the party gathers in Dublin to discuss the new political year.

A note contained in the email reminding the press of the event confirmed Ms Cairns would not be at the gathering.

“Social Democrats party leader Holly Cairns, who is expecting her second child in early November, will not be in attendance having received medical advice to rest at home and not to travel for a number of weeks,” a spokesman said.

Ms Cairns will also miss the start of the new Dáil term on Wednesday. It is unclear whether she will be back before October 6’s budget or the start of her maternity leave.

A spokesperson confirmed that Ms Cairns intends to return to Leinster House, but this will depend on medical advice.

“Holly had intended to take maternity leave in October. She has received medical advice that she needs to rest at home for now, but she hopes to return to the Dáil in a few weeks,” he said.

“However, that will depend on the medical advice.” 

She welcomed her first child in November 2024 on the same day as the general election and returned from maternity leave last September.

• Louise Burne, political correspondent