Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has described her predecessors Catherine Murphy and Róisín Shortall as “trailblazers in Irish politics” after confirmation that they will not contest the next general election.

Ms Cairns told the Dáil that she feels Ms Murphy and Ms Shortall “achieved an incredible amount in careers over decades, not least in setting up the Social Democrats”.

She said that her colleagues will “leave behind a legacy” and a party of “huge potential and enormous promise”.

There were widespread tributes in the Dáil to Ms Murphy and Ms Shortall and a round of applause.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald described them as “formidable and mighty women” while Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Farghaíl said they had had a reforming influence on politics.

Ms Murphy and Ms Shortall announced their decision not to seek re-election earlier today, saying it was time for a new generation to take over.

In a statement following the announcement, Ms Cairns said the two women had accomplished an incredible amount in careers that spanned decades of committed political work and dedicated public service.

“I can say that I would not be in politics were it not for Catherine and Róisín’s decision to set up the Social Democrats.

“Their commitment to public service, belief in the possibility of a fairer society and dedication to strictly adhering to social democratic principles were, and are, an inspiration to me and many others,” Ms Cairns said.

Ms Murphy said: “I love my job and have always had a deep passion for my work and tackling the many pressing social, environmental, economic and governmental issues we still face.

“It has been such a privilege to work in politics alongside colleagues who have shared my energy, commitment and vision for the future.

“It has also been my absolute honour to represent the people of Kildare North and I want to thank them for their continued support for so many years.

“While I am bowing out of representational politics, I will continue to work in whatever way I can to support Holly Cairns and the next generation in Kildare and elsewhere, in advocating for and delivering on a social democratic future.”

Ms Shortall said: “I have been a TD for Dublin North West for almost 32 years and am very proud to have had the opportunity to serve the public in that role.

“Representing my constituents and actively contributing to public debate on national issues have been my priorities as a TD.

“I have a strong belief in the power of politics as a force for good. Politics has enormous potential to make people’s lives better and to create a fairer and more progressive country.

“I have worked in furtherance of those goals over the course of my career.

Social Democrats formation a career highlight – Shortall

Ms Shortall said that she is proud of her role in the setting up the Social Democrats in 2015 and it is a highlight of her career in politics.

The party was not backed by big business, she said, rather through graft and a belief in a different kind of politics.

“We are very pleased that the public responded to that. It’s something that we are very proud of. We have no doubt that the party will play a significant role in Irish politics into the future,” Ms Shortall told RTÉ’s News at One.

“At this stage in the development of our party, we feel this is a good time, we are going out on a high. The party is very strong and certainly after the local elections, we are very well placed to continue to play an important role in politics.”

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Ms Shortall also said that she would have liked to have spent longer in a major decision-making role in Government.

When she was minister of state at the Department of Health, she said, then minister for health James Reilly did not agree with the approach that was being taken in terms of making primary care accessible to the public generally.

Ms Shortall stepped down in September 2012.

“I really felt that I didn’t have much option. I wasn’t prepared to go along with the pretence that we were doing something of significance – when in fact we weren’t – we were sticking with an old model.

“I don’t have any regrets about my decision to do that. I would have liked to have had more time in the department,” she said.

Ms Shortall added that she does not see the Social Democrats merging with the Labour Party and that she expects to see a future of coalition governments, so that a broader spectrum of views are represented.

Murphy ‘proud’ to leave behind ‘very good base’

Ms Murphy said her proudest moment was co-founding the Social Democrats and that she was leaving behind a “very good base” for the party to improve on from here.

She said that it was the right decision not to contest the next general election, and that she was feeling a bit of sadness but also relief.

The Social Democrats was started with no resources, she explained, and the team of three had to knuckle down and cold call people asking them to be candidates.

“People don’t appreciate just how difficult it is to found a new party and that’s why we are particularly proud that’s in such good stead,” she told RTÉ’s Drivetime.

She said that the Social Democrats would like a chance to go into government at some point and use the opportunity to drive the things the party is passionate about.

“We will work towards that in the general election … It’ll be evaluated at a point after the people have spoken, it’s only the people that decide,” she said.

She added that she was looking forward to spending more time with family and having more flexibility and exploring some personal hobbies.

Additional reporting by Michael Lehane