First Soc Dems city councillor elected

“This is a historic breakthrough for the Social Democrats in Cork city.”

Those were the words of newly elected councillor Pádraig Rice following news that he is the first Social Democrats councillor elected to Cork City Council.

The 34 year old lives in Ballyphehane and works as a policy and research manager. He has a law degree from UCC and a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Oxford.

Cllr Rice said he was “deeply honoured” to have been elected as a member of Cork City Council.

He said: “The party was set up in 2015, but this is the first time we have won a seat on the city council. It’s a signal of the change that is happening locally and nationally.

“I would like to thank everyone I met during the course of the campaign. On the doors, people shared their worries, hardships and concerns. It is crystal clear that we need urgent change when it comes to housing, healthcare and disability services.”

He added: “Locally, the council need to start getting the basics right – in particular when it comes to fixing the footpaths, repairing roads and maintaining public spaces. We need a gear change in tackling vacancy and dereliction and the provision of public homes.

“We must also take more climate action by planting more trees, unblocking drains and improving flood preparedness. These are issues I’m looking forward to getting stuck into in the time ahead.”

Social Democrats party leader Holly Cairns TD said: “Having canvassed with Pádraig in recent weeks, I was really taken by his energy, commitment and the positive engagement he had with the people he met during his campaign.”