People are struggling to cover the basics. Families are making impossible choices, while the cost of living keeps rising and inequality deepens. We need real action to tackle price gouging and fix a system that is becoming unaffordable for too many.

Over and over again, the govt tell us they’re not drifting towards the increasing militarisation of the EU. We know that’s not true. Ireland’s people are committed to peace and neutrality. Once again we’re calling for the govt, if they want to scrap the Triple Lock, to put it to the people.

It takes a village to run for election. Not just the amazing team knocking on doors and hanging posters, but the people at home who are keeping things running while we’re out canvassing. Dan is dedicated to making Dublin Central a great place to grow up for his own kids, and for everyone else’s.

Families are under pressure from every direction. Rising energy costs are just one of many bills, and current supports are too broad and miss those who need help most. We need targeted measures and long term solutions like solar to bring real, lasting relief.

While a number of important improvements have been made to the Mental Health Bill during the Seanad process, the Govt has still failed to address several major human rights and child protection concerns. Progress in some areas does not excuse failure in others. @liamquaidetd.bsky.social

There's no magic money tree – we know that. But when the govt announce budgets that leave the most vulnerable in our society worse off while setting aside billions, in brings their priorities into question. The issue isn't what they're spending or not spending – it's how their spending it.

Dublin Central by-election candidate Daniel Ennis discusses his path into the world of politics.

The govt have shown a shocking lack of empathy for people suffering under the crushing weight of the cost of living crisis. What transpired in last week's protests was foreseeable and avoidable. And the fact that the govt didn't foresee or avoid it brings into question their competence.

Barriers to sports access for LGBTQ+ people are a stain on our sporting communities. For many including members of the LGBTQ+ community, sports is a lifeline. Inclusion for all can't be just a phrase – it requires active work.

This Government is not listening. Promises of change on housing, healthcare and the cost of living have not been delivered, and warnings continue to be ignored. Every week is getting more expensive for families, while the Government fails to act.

The cost of living crisis and the increase in fuel prices have created a deeply concerning level of uncertainty and fear in the country. The Social Democrats have called for more targeted measures to help those most in need at this time of crisis. We need to invest beyond the short term.

It's now five months since the Energy Minister requested the CRU to carry out an investigation into price gouging by energy companies. Yet in the Dáil today, it emerged that the Govt has not received a response or update from the regulator on the status of the report. CRU is asleep at the wheel.

Israel is still committing war crimes with impunity – this govt still hasn't taken real action. Have they pushed for the suspension of the EU-Israel trade agreement? What is stalling the Occupied Territories Bill? We've asked the Tánaiste directly, but he once again offers platitudes and no action

The Health Committee will today launch its Report on Dental Services in the Healthcare System. Public dental services have been outdated and impoverished for far too long. Minister must accept and act swiftly on all 19 of committee's recommendations. @padraigrice.bsky.social

Dan & Míde are running because people deserve TDs who actually fight for better public services, affordable housing, and a decent standard of living for everyone. The bigger parties have deep pockets. To win, we need your help. Can you sponsor a poster today? www.socialdemocrats.ie/sponsor-a-po...

People are struggling and not being heard. Heating costs are soaring, families are under pressure, and vulnerable groups are being pushed to the brink. We need real support and investment in solar to protect households.

The cost of living crisis is putting pressure on people all over the country. But simple tax cuts and credits don't go all the way. Govt needs to invest in the future, to reduce the shocks felt by Irish consumers. With Solar for All, that's what the Social Democrats are proposing.

People are paying the price for years of missed opportunities. Energy shocks aren’t new, but the Government has failed to prepare and left households exposed again. We need long-term solutions like solar that cut bills, build resilience and protect people from future crises.

Govt’s inability to provide a clear timeline for the delivery of the 2026 Climate Action Plan is putting Ireland on a road to financial and environmental ruin. Minister's vague commitment to bring a draft plan to Govt 'later this year' is inexcusable. Where is the urgency?

People are scared of the next bill landing through their door. The cost of living crisis is hitting families hard and they need real support now. We’re proposing a €400 energy credit, support for essential workers and investment in solar to cut bills long term.

The debate on the Soc Dems' motion on tackling soaring energy costs has just started. 📺You can watch it live here tinyurl.com/23rudu66

Are we heading for an early election? From what we’re hearing on the doors, people feel there is no leadership, no accountability, and no one in charge. At a time when the country needed calm and direction, this Government showed neither.

A Government that doesn’t listen, that creates chaos when leadership is needed, and leaves ordinary people behind. While crises come and go, the same people are forgotten - those struggling with the cost of living, people with disabilities, families forced into impossible choices.

Today, govt ministers stood up and listed their so-called achievements – but no sign of accountability for their handling of last week's fuel protests. It's clear they still don't get it. People all over Ireland are struggling to keep their heads above water. Govt needs to pay attention to them.

The protests we saw last week were a symptom of a larger problem – that this govt has failed to listen to the people they are elected to serve. For that reason, the Social Democrats have no confidence in this Government.

The Soc Dems will bring a motion before the Dáil tomorrow aimed at tackling Ireland’s soaring energy costs. Our proposals include the implementation of our ‘Solar for All’ plan and a €400 energy credit for struggling households. @garygannontd.bsky.social

Communications Minister has no authority to order Coimisiún na Meán to carry out a review of media coverage of the fuel protests. His Trumpian comments were sinister and disturbing. Minister cannot be allowed to use an independent regulator to air his petty grievances. @sineadgibney.bsky.social

The Government’s first move back in the Dáil? A motion of confidence in themselves. Meanwhile, people are struggling through an energy crisis. We’re bringing forward real solutions: a €400 targeted payment, support for essential workers and measures to cut energy bills.

The by-elections are coming fast, and we feel we have real momentum. This weekend, we saw over 50 people out canvassing in Dublin Central for Daniel Ennis. There's a real appetite for positive, honest politics – and no better man to embody that than Dan. Get involved here: bit.ly/3ObVocl

Instead of owning up to the government’s own failings, and reflecting on how badly they mismanaged the situation, Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan has opted to shoot the messenger – the media. Social Democrats Media spokesperson @sineadgibney.bsky.social responds:

In 2023, the Government accepted the National Screening Advisory Committee’s recommendation that the newborn screening programme should be expanded. It should not have taken three years for this to happen. @padraigrice.bsky.social

Statement from Party Leader @hollycairns.bsky.social

Our Gaeltacht areas are a shining example of how to keep the Irish language alive. Not only that, but they are fantastic, vibrant communities – just ask Míde We're proud to have such a strong representative for Conamara standing for us in the Galway West by-election.

A million homes in Ireland are suitable for solar panels, which could save households hundreds on energy bills. People on lower incomes shouldn't be excluded from making those savings. That's why we're bringing forward our Solar for All plan. But what does the plan involve? Watch to find out

As a result of last year's Budget, those on lowest incomes are €250 worse off this year – and that was before the illegal war in Iran made fuel prices skyrocket. The govt is missing opportunity after opportunity to help people with the cost of their energy bills. It's time they took a chance.

The dedication teachers have to their profession is deeply admirable. They're at the coalface of our education system – and no one understands how to improve it like they do. The govt must listen to their concerns to ensure Ireland has a world-class education system well into the future.

Today’s news that the Galway Ring Road has been granted approval by An Comisiún Pleanála must mark an end to delays to other transport solutions in Galway City. @socialmide.bsky.social

As Israel commits barbaric war crimes in Lebanon, the Taoiseach must join with the Spanish Prime Minister and demand a suspension of the EU-Israel trade agreement. The ceasefire agreed between the US and Iran included an end to Israel’s attacks on Lebanon. @patriciastephenson.bsky.social

Government is completely unprepared for the threats AI presents for employment in Ireland and must immediately develop a roadmap to face its challenges head-on. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are sleepwalking into what could be a crisis which defines a generation of workers. @sineadgibney.bsky.social

Children in the care system are some of our most vulnerable citizens yet successive govts have failed to prioritise their protection. Last year over 1100 children were placed in inappropriate, unregulated settings.  Unvetted, untrained social workers cannot become the norm.

Social Democrats launch ‘Solar for All’ plan to reduce energy costs for households. Supports for solar panel installation need to be dramatically expanded and improved to help households cut their energy bills... www.socialdemocrats.ie/social-democ...

Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton must approach negotiations with our teachers unions in good faith if we are to avoid strike action. Both the INTO and ASTI are considering strike action in response to the chronic underresourcing of education on all fronts. @jencummins.bsky.social

@socialmide.bsky.social would make an incredible Dáil representative for Galway West – but we need to campaign to get her there. If you want to see Míde elected to the Dáil, click the link to get involved > forms.gle/BWYxeXSeKqgL...

Israel’s claim that a ceasefire deal to end the war in the Middle East does not include Lebanon must be immediately condemned by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste. On Sunday, at least 11 people were killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon, including a four year-old child. @patriciastephenson.bsky.social

A home is not a luxury. It is the foundation of a person’s life, health and dignity. Yet hundreds of thousands in Ireland are denied that basic right, with homelessness becoming normalised and families left struggling. Housing must be treated as a right, not an asset.

Teachers are still waiting on pay they were due months ago. At the INTO conference, delegates spoke clearly about pay delays, working conditions and the urgent need for proper supports in education. In the middle of a cost of living crisis, this simply isn’t good enough.

"Trump is now raving like a murderous zealot, threatening nuclear war and the complete obliteration of the Iranian people. Moreover, he has the means to make good on this threat and no moral compass that would stop him." Read @patriciastephenson.bsky.social full statement: tinyurl.com/3pcvf8f2

Apartments should never be built on a mass grave. The scale of suffering at Bessborough cannot be ignored or erased. Survivors and families still deserve truth, dignity and justice. You cannot build over unmarked graves and call it progress.

Ireland showed its best when people opened their homes to those fleeing war. Ending this support won’t fix housing. It will push more people into homelessness and strain an already broken system. We should build on what worked, not tear it down.

It seems that every day, we wake to news of another tragic, avoidable death on our roads. Education and ad campaigns around driver behaviour are useful – but we need to see greater enforcement. Until we get enforcement right, we are still going to see tragic road deaths.