Catherine Murphy and Roisin Shortall to stand down at next election

Former Social Democrats co-leaders Catherine Murphy and Roisin Shortall have said they will be stepping down at the next general election.

The former co-leaders made the announcement on Tuesday, saying it is time for a new generation to take over.

Ms Murphy has been a TD for Kildare North since 2011, while Ms Shortall has been a TD for Dublin North-West since 1992.

They set up the the Social Democrats party in July 2015 – along with then-independent TD Stephen Donnelly, now a Health Minister and a Fianna Fail TD.

Ms Shortall said her work on a universal healthcare plan for Ireland, Slaintecare, and setting up the Social Democrats have been highlights of her career.

“We (set it up) through graft and a belief in a different kind of politics, and we’re very pleased that the public responded to that,” she said on RTE’s News At One.

“We’ve no doubt the party will play a significant role in Irish politics into the future.”

The party currently has six TDs, including Ms Murphy and Ms Shortall, and 35 councillors.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns paid tribute to Ms Murphy and Ms Shortall after they announced they would not contest the forthcoming general election.

Ms Murphy said: “I love my job and have always had a deep passion for my work and tackling the many pressing social, environmental, economic and governmental issues we still face.

“It has been such a privilege to work in politics alongside colleagues who have shared my energy, commitment and vision for the future.

“It has also been my absolute honour to represent the people of Kildare North and I want to thank them for their continued support for so many years.

“While I am bowing out of representational politics, I will continue to work in whatever way I can to support Holly Cairns and the next generation in Kildare and elsewhere, in advocating for and delivering on a social democratic future.”

Ms Shortall said: “I have been a TD for Dublin North-West for almost 32 years and am very proud to have had the opportunity to serve the public in that role.

“Representing my constituents and actively contributing to public debate on national issues have been my priorities as a TD. I have a strong belief in the power of politics as a force for good.

“Politics has enormous potential to make people’s lives better and to create a fairer and more progressive country. I have worked in furtherance of those goals over the course of my career.

“While I have decided to step down from frontline politics, I hope to continue to work to build on progress already made in the development of the Social Democrats party. I truly believe the party can make a major contribution to creating a better Ireland for all.”

Ms Cairns said: “Catherine and Roisin are trailblazers in Irish politics and have accomplished an incredible amount in careers that spanned decades of committed political work and dedicated public service.

“I can say that I would not be in politics were it not for Catherine and Roisin’s decision to set up the Social Democrats. Their commitment to public service, belief in the possibility of a fairer society and dedication to strictly adhering to social democratic principles were, and are, an inspiration to me and many others.

“Catherine and Roisin are now stepping back from frontline politics, but they leave behind a party with strong roots, huge promise and great potential.

“Having nearly doubled our number of councillors in the recent local elections, I am determined to continue to build on that success and grow our number of TDs in the forthcoming general election.”

Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “I want to pay tribute to Deputy Shortall and Deputy Murphy on your very significant decision.

“I want to acknowledge you both as very formidable politicians. I believe Deputy Shortall is the longest-serving female TD in the history of our state.

“That in itself is a historic record which deserves a commendation. Through your work on Slaintecare you brought parties together with different views to try and find common ground.

“To Deputy Murphy, I know you’ve served for 30 years in various political roles in your community and Dail Eireann. I think you’ll always be remembered as a as a particularly diligent and efficient member of the PAC (Public Accounts Committee) and of course you both played a major role in founding your political party.

“I want to wish you both and your families every happiness and good health now and into the future.”

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said: “I just want to acknowledge them as two mighty and formidable women in leadership and I want to wish you both the very, very best in the future.

“A moment of girl power I feel, rare enough in these chambers.”

Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail said Ms Shortall and Ms Murphy have had a “truly reformative influence” on Irish politics.

“I hope you have a very successful period ahead and I thank you for all that you’ve done,” he added.