Pregnant and on the Campaign Trail: Social Democrats Leader Faces Unique Election Challenge

As Social Democrats member Barry McHugh approaches Holly Cairns for a hug before an afternoon canvass in Bandon, he inadvertently captures the prevailing mood. "One more week! Well, two more weeks... you know what I mean," he says, highlighting the unusual double-header Cairns faces.

A Unique Double-Header: Politics and Parenthood

The Social Democrats leader is due to give birth to her daughter next Friday, just one week before polling day, when she will be vying to retain her seat in the Cork South-West constituency. This is a situation without precedent for a party leader in Irish politics. "There is obviously no template," she acknowledges; it's "unchartered" territory, made even more unique by the fact that it's also her first time having a baby.

Balancing Act: Campaigning and Motherhood

Cairns's campaign is an intricate balancing act between political campaigning and the imminent arrival of her child. She announced on Monday that she would miss RTÉ's 10-way leaders’ debate, with deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan stepping in. However, the mood in her camp remains upbeat. The general reaction towards Cairns, in her second general election and first as party leader, is positive. Many are amazed to see her still out canvassing for votes. "It’s the worst possible timing," she readily admits, a sentiment echoed by some voters.

The Campaign Trail: A Race Against Time

The sheer number of people canvassing for Cairns – a sizable team clad in party purple, including Cairns’s partner, Barry Looney – is a testament to the Social Democrats' growth. This contrasts sharply with her 2020 election, when, after unexpectedly winning the third seat, she ran a shoestring operation with a team composed primarily of friends and family. Back then, her opening gambit was: "Have you heard of the Social Democrats?" Today, her team includes recently elected local councillors.

A Tight Race and High Stakes

Canvass leader Fiona Cairns (Holly’s aunt) sets the tone, describing the campaign as "an absolute scrap" in the three-seat constituency. Every number-one vote is crucial, indicative of the extremely close race. The presence of other party leaders in the area underscores this intensity. Taoiseach Simon Harris visited Fine Gael offices in Bandon, while Tánaiste Micheál Martin was in Clonakilty with local TD Christopher O’Sullivan. Fine Gael councillor Noel O’Donovan was also canvassing nearby. With Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins expected to win, a Social Democrats canvasser foresees a "dogfight" for the remaining two seats. This highlights the fierce competition and the significant challenges Cairns faces in her bid for re-election.

Unexpected Encounters and Straight Talk

The canvass presented unexpected challenges. One encounter involved a woman who, while a previous Cairns voter, raised concerns about transgender rights and women's spaces. Cairns responded with her party's position: "We just think that everyone should be able to live the life they want and be who they are." Other interactions ranged from non-committal responses to words of caution from a floating voter: "It’s a dangerous business to be the third leg of the stool – very, very dangerous." This reflects the complexities of campaigning in a tight race and the variety of viewpoints Cairns must address.

The Road Ahead: Ambitions for Government

Despite the challenges, Cairns remains steadfast in her ambition to participate in government, even if it means participating in Zoom meetings and phone calls while on maternity leave. "I didn’t go into politics to go into opposition; I certainly learned of the importance of it though,” she explains. This election, she believes, presents an opportunity for the Social Democrats to translate policies into reality. She highlights the party's commitment to specific policy goals as non-negotiable red lines— 50,000 affordable homes, full implementation of Sláintecare, and a senior minister for disability. The party’s "straight talking" approach on the doors seems to be well-received.

The Final Stretch: Uncertainties and Unwavering Determination

As the canvass winds down, Cairns acknowledges the uncertainties ahead, including the possibility of missing the vote count due to the birth of her child. While she's not taking the election for granted, her determination and commitment to her party's principles remain steadfast. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal, not just for her political career, but for her personal life as well. The combination of these significant milestones makes this election cycle an unparalleled moment in Irish politics. The outcome is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Holly Cairns is a force to be reckoned with, even while juggling the complexities of campaigning and the joys of impending motherhood. The final days will be crucial in determining her success in this unique and demanding election battle. This is a defining moment for her, her party and perhaps even the future of Irish politics. Her experience and resilience may well serve as inspiration for future political leaders navigating similar complexities.