Social Democrats councillor Carly Bailey standing down from seat

South Dublin councillor was first elected in 2019 and represented Rathfarnham and Templeogue

Carly Bailey with then Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy in Tallaght, Dublin. Bailey is standing down from South Dublin County Council. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Carly Bailey with then Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy in Tallaght, Dublin. Bailey is standing down from South Dublin County Council. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has paid tribute to Councillor Carly Bailey who is standing down from South Dublin County Council because of work and family commitments.

Ms Cairns praised the “excellent work” Cllr Bailey has done for her local community since her election in 2019. She has always had a huge passion for equality and social justice – and that shone through in her work.

In a message on Twitter on Thursday, Ms Bailey announced she was stepping down “with a heavy heart”.

“I’ll still be working in policy and politics, and will continue to fight for change, but in a different way. Reform of local government couldn’t come soon enough,” she wrote.

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“I want to say a particular thank you to my husband & children who hope to see a little more of me from here on out. My close friends too. We have a great person ready to take over so I know I’m leaving my post in good hands,” she added.

Ms Bailey represented the Rathfarnham and Templeogue electorate and was first elected in 2019. She was a leading member of the Repeal the 8th Campaign. A lawyer, she is currently an employee of the party where she works as women’s development manager. She is also the social policy officer with the One Family organisation.

In a statement, Ms Cairns said: “While Carly is stepping back from representative politics, she remains working with the party and will continue to fight for change.

The Social Democrats will nominate a new person to be co-opted on to the local authority at its next meeting on November 13th.

Harry McGee

Harry McGee

Harry McGee is a Political Correspondent with The Irish Times