Leader of Irish opposition party gives birth on election day

The leader of Ireland's opposition Social Democrats party gave birth to a baby girl on Friday, voting day in the country's general election, the party said.

Holly Cairns, 35, who is standing for re-election in the Cork South-West constituency, posted a picture of herself with her baby on Instagram saying "She's here."

The party is the fourth most popular with the support of 6% of voters, according to a poll published on Monday by the Irish Times/Ipsos B&A.

Cairns remained leader during her pregnancy, but deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan represented her at a number of pre-election events, including a national televised debate.

"Women have babies ... and we have to support them if we want more women to run," party colleague Jennifer Whitmore told journalists on Wednesday.