Cllr Chris Pender launches General Election campaign for Kildare South

The event, held in Newbridge, saw speeches from Sarah Walsh, Chairperson of the Social Democrats Kildare South branch, and Gary Gannon TD for Dublin Central

Cllr Chris Pender officially launched his campaign for the upcoming general election in Kildare South last night to great enthusiasm and support from the local community and his fellow party members. The event, held in Newbridge, saw speeches from Sarah Walsh, Chairperson of the Social Democrats Kildare South branch, and Gary Gannon TD for Dublin Central, both of whom praised Chris’s relentless dedication to his community and commitment to positive change.
Sarah Walsh opened the evening, describing Cllr Pender as "the tireless, dedicated, and passionate candidate" who has been a voice for everyone in the community from day one. She highlighted his efforts to support individuals navigating housing and healthcare systems, his advocacy for the Defence Forces and Veterans, and his commitment to fairness, integrity, and transparency in politics.
"Chris doesn’t just talk about change—he delivers it," Walsh said. She also shared personal anecdotes about their shared advocacy work, including their involvement in the Marriage Equality and Repeal campaigns. "His passion for fairness and his deep care for this community are unmatched," she added.
Gary Gannon TD echoed those sentiments, delivering a passionate endorsement of Cllr Pender’s candidacy. He described Chris as "a wonderful, decent human being" whose relentless advocacy stems from a place of deep conviction. Gannon, with a touch of humour, noted that Chris’s "annoying persistence" was a testament to his belief in his causes.
"Chris doesn’t fight for self-advancement—it’s always about a cause," Gannon said. "Whether it’s advocating for Defence Forces families, standing up for the LGBTQ+ community, or fighting for better public services, Chris brings the highest standards to everything he does." He went on to praise Cllr Pender’s courage, calling him "a dissenting voice who won’t just follow the easy path, but will push for the hard changes we need in politics."
In his own speech, Cllr Chris Pender reflected on his journey from a local councillor to a general election candidate, reiterating his commitment to the people of Kildare South. He spoke about the housing crisis, the need for better mental health services, and his plans for improving public transport in the constituency.
"Sometimes you are who they say you are," Chris said. "I am someone who stands up, fights back, and refuses to take no for an answer. And I will bring that same energy to Dáil Éireann to ensure that the people of Kildare South are heard and represented."
Cllr Pender’s campaign will focus on tackling the housing crisis, improving access to healthcare—particularly mental health and addiction services—and expanding public transport options. He also pledged to continue his work on crime prevention and ensuring that community safety remains a top priority.
The evening closed with a rousing endorsement from Gary Gannon, who said, "By adding Chris Pender to our ticket, we’re adding courage, conviction, and someone who will bring real change—not just for Kildare South, but for Ireland as a whole."
With his campaign officially launched, Cllr Pender will now embark on a series of public meetings, canvassing, and community engagements across the constituency, aiming to bring his message of fairness, equality, and community-driven change to every doorstep in Kildare South.
For more information on Cllr Chris Pender’s campaign or to get involved, please visit linktr.ee/chrispenderke or contact kildaresouth@socialdemocrats.​ie