Former Social Democrats leaders Catherine Murphy and Róisín Shortall have announced that they will not run in the next general election.

The party co-founders announced their departure this morning, saying it is “time for a new generation to take over”. 

Deputy Murphy, a TD for Kildare North, said it has been a “privilege to work in politics” and represent her constituency. 

“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,” she said. 

Deputy Murphy, a TD for Dublin North West, said she is proud to have served in the Dáil for almost 32 years. 

“I have a strong belief in the power of politics as a force for good,” she said. 

“Politics has enormous potential to make people’s lives better and to create a fairer and more progressive country. 

“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.”

Social Democrats Holly Cairns with Roisin Shortall (R) and Catherine Murphy (L) after giving her leaders speech at the Social Democrats National Conference in UCD, Dublin 4, 17/02/2024. Photograph: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

Deputies Murphy and Shortall founded the Social Democrats in July 2015 – alongside current Fianna Fáil Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.

Deputy Shortall was a former Labour Party TD Minister of State at the Department of Health who resigned from the party in 2012. 

Deputy Murphy was a member of the Workers' Party, Democratic Left and the Labour Party before being elected as an independent TD in 2005. 

The three founders were elected for the Social Democrats in 2016; however, Mr Donnelly left the part soon after, saying that “some partnerships simply don't work”.

The party then went on to see six candidates elected in 2020.

Social Democrats has 'huge promise'

Deputies Murphy and Shortall stepped down as leaders of the party in 2023, with Cork South-West TD Holly Cairns taking over. 

Deputy Cairns said the two co-founders have been “trailblazers in Irish politics”. 

“I can say that I would not be in politics were it not for Catherine and Róisín’s decision to set up the Social Democrats,” she said. 

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

There are currently four Social Democrat TDs in addition to deputies Murphy and Shortall.