Holly Cairns, a prominent figure in the Social Democrats party, is known for her advocacy and personal resilience. She recently welcomed a daughter with her partner, Barry Looney, amid a backdrop of both joy and loss.
Holly Cairns: Early Life and Background
Holly Cairns hails from a dairy farming family in County Cork, specifically on the Turk Head peninsula near Skibbereen. Growing up, she was influenced by her mother, Madeline McKeever, a botanist with roots in County Meath, who also engaged in agriculture. Holly holds a Master of Science and graduated with First Class Honours in Horticulture.
As the youngest of six siblings, Cairns has three sisters and two brothers. Tragically, her older brother, Sam, passed away from a drug overdose six years ago, shortly after Holly’s first election to the local county council in 2019. His death profoundly impacted her perspective on addiction, prompting her to advocate for a shift in Ireland’s approach to drugrelated issues.
Political Career Progression
Cairns began her political journey by winning her council seat in 2019 by a narrow margin of just one vote. She has been steadfast in her commitment to addressing pressing social issues, including domestic abuse and housing affordability.
In May 2023, Holly was appointed leader of the Social Democrats, becoming the youngest person to hold this position in the Dáil. This leadership transition occurred after coleaders Catherine Murphy and Roisin Shortall stepped down. Holly’s political platform focuses on societal problems, particularly the housing crisis and supporting survivors of mother and baby homes.
Family Life and Personal Challenges
Holly’s personal life has seen its share of triumphs and tribulations. She and her partner welcomed their daughter at the end of November at Cork University Maternity Hospital. Ironically, her baby was born on the same day as the General Election. On social media, Holly joyfully announced her daughter’s arrival, expressing her and Barry’s deep love for their child.
Throughout her pregnancy, Holly candidly shared her experiences with miscarriages, revealing that she had endured two prior losses. She emphasized that one in three women face similar struggles but that such topics often remain silent. Holly found comfort in the stories of others and aims to bring more awareness to the challenges surrounding miscarriage.
Conclusion
Holly Cairns continues to balance her roles as a politician and a mother, drawing on her personal experiences to inform her advocacy work. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and a commitment to effecting positive change in society.