Irish Political Leader Holly Cairns Gives Birth on Election Day

The Social Democrats leader welcomed a baby girl while seeking re-election in Cork South-West during Ireland's general election.

Holly Cairns, leader of Ireland's Social Democrats, gave birth to a baby girl on the day of the general election.
Cairns, 35, is the youngest leader of any political party in Ireland and is running for re-election in the Cork South-West constituency.
During her pregnancy, Cairns continued to lead the party but missed the final weeks of campaigning, with deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan stepping in for key events, including a televised leaders' debate.
The Social Democrats, holding six seats in the Dáil, are aiming to expand their presence and are considered potential coalition partners for Sinn Féin if they secure a majority.
Cairns described campaigning while heavily pregnant as a challenging experience but expressed hope that pregnancy and parenthood will become normalized for politicians in senior roles.