The Progressive Democrats' national executive has decided not to choose a new leader for the party for at least another three months.

Former Laois-Offaly TD Tom Parlon is being hotly tipped as the new leader of the Progressive Democrats this morning.

The Progressive Democrats' Deputy Leader Liz O'Donnell is calling for young people to ensure they're on the electoral register.

The Tánaiste and Progressive Democrats leader Michael McDowell has indicated that his party will remain in government with Fianna Fáil despite intense speculation about a break-up of the coalition.

The apparent conflict that has emerged between the Taoiseach and former Tánaiste Mary Harney in relation to the latter's prior knowledge of loans given to Mr Ahern is "the most serious crisis yet for the coalition partners", according to the Green Party chairman John Gormley TD.

Finance Minister Brian Cowen has denied suggestions that the PDs' proposals on stamp duty have caused a rift in the Government.

Progressive Democrats leader Michael McDowell has confirmed that his party will be seeking major changes to stamp duty on houses if forms part of the next government.

The director of the One in Four support group for victims of child sex abuse is to stand for the Progressive Democrats at the next General Election.

The Progressive Democrats will not enter into an alliance with Sinn Féin on any local council, Tánaiste Mary Harney said today.

MICHAEL McDowell is Irish politics answer to the heroine of Arabian Nights, the young woman who stays her own execution by telling the wife-slaying king an even more incredible yarn every night for 1,001 nights.

The Taoiseach and the Government’s popularity have both risen by 11% since last September, according to an opinion poll published this morning.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, I suppose I should say. It’s never really clear when the anniversary of a government is — the current one, for instance, wasn’t voted in by the Dáil until June last year. But we have just passed the first anniversary of their election.

THIS year will probably be best remembered for things like the introduction of the euro, and the first re-election of a coalition in the history of the State.

The PDs' Liz O’Donnell has been elected in Dublin South.

Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy has praised the Progressive Democrats’ election manifesto, saying its economic proposals were sensible and prudent.

The Green Party has hit back at the Progressive Democrats following comments made at the PDs’ pre-election conference at the weekend.