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The Social Democrats convened a think‑in in Dublin to discuss policy amid the return of the Dáil, while TD Eoin Hayes's past controversies attracted attention. The party outlined a fuel crisis response, a windfall tax and support for solar power. They also addressed the emotional impact of layoffs, with O'Callaghan emphasising the need for economic policies that safeguard job‑losers and support citizens' mental health.
The Social Democrats held a think‑in meeting at the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland in Dublin, where party leaders and candidates discussed policy and strategy before the next Dáil session.
Though the event attracted media attention, a significant portion of the coverage centred on TD Eoin Hayes, who was absent from the initial press conference but later attended within his constituency. During the gathering, Cian O'Callaghan, the party's deputy leader, addressed questions about Hayes's recent controversies. He confirmed that Hayes had not been involved in managing layoffs at the tech firm Wayflyer and that he would still contest the upcoming general election.
O'Callaghan also reiterated that Hayes would remain the party's spokesman on social protection. Hayes, meanwhile, had issued a statement clarifying his role at Wayflyer as a modelling officer, emphasising that he never had decision‑making power over employment cuts. He pointed out that he understood the trauma of job loss and that this informed his political goals.
The think‑in was also a platform for the Social Democrats to outline a response to Ireland's fuel crisis, proposing a windfall tax on energy companies that could generate €350 million and offering €400 electricity credits to low‑income households. The party also pledged further support for solar power deployment.
However, over the past year, the party's public image had been marred by the fallout from Hayes's black‑face incident, which he had publicly apologized for in 2023. He was readmitted to the party after a period of suspension, and his participation in the current think‑in signals a return to active frontline politics. While the party's policy discussion attracted legitimate media interest, commentary about Hayes's past actions and his recent absence from initial media events dominated the conversation.
The interview also highlighted wider issues about the mental health implications of layoffs, with O'Callaghan noting the emotional impact on individuals and the need for economic policies that mitigate such hardships. The meeting ended with the declaration that the Social Democrats would continue to engage on contentious political matters, including the psychological wellbeing of citizens and economic reforms designed to protect the most vulnerable.
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