Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has announced the birth of a baby daughter on the day of the election.
Ms Cairns, who is standing as a candidate in the Cork South-West constituency, posted a photograph on her Instagram page from Cork University Maternity Hospital.
“She’s here, we’re completely in love with her,” she wrote, signing off as “Holly and Barry”. Her partner Barry Looney is a hotelier in west Cork.
Ms Cairns announced she was pregnant in June having suffered two miscarriages the previous year.
She wrote on Instagram at the time: “While I’m delighted to share this news now, I was initially hesitant because like so many other couples hoping to start a family, ours has not been a straightforward journey.
“But all the signs look good for this pregnancy so we are really hopeful.”
Ahead of her due date, she had to cut back on canvassing in the campaign and her deputy Cian O’Callaghan stepped in for her during the first leaders’ debate.
Her party posted on their X feed: “We should have known Holly’s little girl would want to get involved in the election! Everyone is so thrilled for Holly and her partner Barry, who welcomed their baby daughter earlier today.”
Ms Cairns, who was first elected to Cork County Council in 2019 by a single vote, will be hoping that things aren’t quite as tight this time around as she won’t be able to vote for herself.
“Holly went into the hospital for a check up on Thursday evening and stayed in and her baby girl was born early this morning – she is registered to vote in her home polling station outside Skibbereen so she won’t be able to vote today,” said a Social Democrats source.
“It would be a two-hour journey and just not feasible with a newly born baby and unfortunately there is no facility for voting in hospitals like there is in nursing homes, so she won’t be able to cast her vote this time around.”
Holly was on the campaign trail right up until to the time she went into CUMH, filming a campaign video for Social Democrats Cork South Central candidate Padraig Rice from the grounds of the maternity hospital in Wilton in the heart of the five seat constituency.
Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris posted on X “Congratulations @HollyCairnsTD and Barry. Wonderful news. Wishing the three of you a life time of happiness and good health.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said: “Congratulations Holly and Barry! Wonderful news. Cherish and enjoy every moment with your beautiful new baby girl.”
Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald also extended her congratulations on X: “Comhghairdeas... Wishing you all the very best. Enjoy these first days. They are some of the most special in life.”
Counting will begin on Saturday in the three-seat Cork South West constituency where Ms Cairns is seeking reelection.
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