Pádraig Rice has been Councillor for Cork City since 2024. He currently works as the Policy and Research Manager with LGBT Ireland. His priorities are access to affordable housing to all, timely healthcare and a clean environment.

I’m running in the general election because I believe it’s time for change. I want to be a new voice in the Dáil for the people of Cork. I believe that the Government could be doing so much more, particularly when it comes to affordable housing, healthcare, disability services, childcare and climate action. I'm one of the newest Councillors and youngest member of Cork City Council. I studied Law at UCC and I have a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Oxford. I previously worked in the Oireachtas for four years with both a TD and a Senator. If elected I could hit the ground running as a TD.

Housing is the biggest issue. Rents in Cork are unaffordable, and house prices are far too high for people on average incomes. Over 14,000 people are in homeless emergency accommodation. This is causing huge hardship. On top of this, we have far too many people living in cramped and overcrowded conditions. We need better protections for renters and far more houses to be built—but not any kind of housing—we need more affordable homes. We need at least 50,000 new homes per year. However, last year, just over 35,500 were built. The Government's policies have failed. We need a change of approach.

I would like to speak about my vision for a republic of equals where there is a social floor below which no one is allowed to fall. This means a State where everyone has a home, decent education, universal healthcare, public childcare and quality disability services and supports. To support these quality public services, we need to support a thriving economy which ensures decent jobs and good incomes. I also want this to be a greener country with better public transport, warmer retrofitted homes, more renewable energy and a clean environment.