Aidan Farrelly of the Social Democrats is a first-time TD following his election in Kildare North.

Mr Farrelly’s election to the 34th Dáil means that the Social Democrats retain their seat in the constituency following the retirement of co-founder and former co-leader of the party Catherine Murphy. He regards Ms Murphy as a “mentor and friend”, according to Social Democrats website.

Mr Farrelly (37) was first elected as a county councillor for the Clane LEA in 2019. He was re-elected in June.

The councillor is presently a lecturer in social policy and youth work at Maynooth University. He previously held a positions with the National Youth Council of Ireland and Kildare Youth Services.

Mr Farrelly is based in the town of Prosperous, and is married to wife Aisling. They have three children. He is originally from Clane.