Social Democrats founders Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy have announced in a statement posted today that they will not contest the next general election.

Having founded the Social Democrats in 2015, Shortall and Murphy stated that they believe it’s time for "a new generation to take over."

“Our aim was to give people a new choice in Irish politics” said Shortall in a statement this morning.

"While I have decided to step down from frontline politics, I hope to continue to work to build on progress already made in the development of the Social Democrats party."

"Róisín and I established the Social Democrats as we believe there has never been a greater need to offer a different type of politics that is interventionist and fully focused on getting the basics of life right," added Murphy, who represented Kildare North for the past 13 years.

“As a society, we face huge challenges – in housing, healthcare, disability services and climate change, which must be tackled pro-actively with just transition as our overriding consideration. I will continue to work in whatever way I can to support Holly Cairns and the next generation of party TDs."

Current Social Democrats party leader Holly cairns described Murphy and Shortall as “Trailblazers in Irish politics”.

Party Leader @HollyCairnsTD has paid tribute to former @SocDems co-leaders Catherine Murphy and Róisín Shortall after they announced they will not contest the forthcoming general election.

"I wouldn't be standing here today if it weren't for them." pic.twitter.com/KjuMeOqlAf

— Social Democrats (@SocDems) July 2, 2024

In a statement, Ms Cairns 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.

“I am determined to continue to build on that success and grow our number of TDs in the forthcoming general election.”