The housing crisis has evolved from an emergency to a “complete disaster”, according to Social Democrat leader Holly Cairns. 

Speaking at her first Social Democrats national conference since she became leader, Ms Cairns said there needs to be a ban on the bulk-buying of homes by companies or funds. 

“Certainly, I think we need to introduce basic protection for renters, and we talked about a ban on no-fault eviction,” she said. 

“That really is the bare minimum across the rest of Europe, so there'd have to be a commitment to finally protect renters in such an unstable and precarious market. 

“These are all things that we need because we're in a complete crisis - the situation has gone from a housing emergency to a complete disaster.” 

Ms Cairns took over as leader of the Social Democrats last year, replacing co-founders Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy. 

Both Ms Shortall and Ms Murphy have confirmed they plan to contest the next election, while Ms Cairns said she does not take her re-election “for granted”. 

Social Democrat national conference

Ms Cairns also dismissed questions about any future merger with the Labour Party, noting its previous performance in a coalition with Fine Gael. 

“You could talk about policies all day - it’s what you do with those policies when you get close to power,” she said. 

“That’s the true test of any left party in government, and they failed that test.” 

Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid also attended the Social Democrat national conference yesterday evening, thanking Irish people for “strong and continued”. 

“I owe a great gratitude to Ireland and Irish people for the constant and strong support for justice and human rights, and for the just cause of the Palestinian people,” she said. 

The national conference in University College Dublin will conclude with a televised speech by Ms Cairns, her first as leader of the party.