Progressive Democrats set to target 12 Dáil seats

THE Progressive Democrats will outline their bid to win 12 Dáil seats in the next general election campaign at the party’s annual conference in Cork this weekend.

The party doubled its Dáil representation to eight TDs in the last election but were disappointed by their local election results in 2004 when they failed to win any extra council seats.

Progressive Democrats chairman John Higgins said: “We were disappointed not to increase our 31 council seats last year, our candidates were not rewarded for their strong campaigns.”

But the PDs’ clinical analysis of their local election results prompted them to strengthen their headquarters and regional staff in a bid to secure more Dáil seats in 2007.

“We are keeping the local election candidates and working with them on the ground to win at least four extra Dáil seats,” Mr Higgins added.

This weekend as the Progressive Democrats celebrate their 20th anniversary, the emphasis will be on setting out a clear identity.

Competition and privatisation are key themes, particularly in transport.

This is the next likely battleground between the PDs and Fianna Fáil with both parties disagreeing over the exact terms of the sale of Aer Lingus and the building of a second terminal at Dublin Airport.

Junior Health Minister Tim O’Malley will give details of his new legislation which aims to save consumers €100 million on pharmacy bills, while Senator John Minihan will outline his childcare package.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell will address the issue of crime, while Dr Sean Barrett will outline how more competition can be brought into the State transport system.

Tánaiste Mary Harney’s keynote address tonight is expected to focus on her new health brief.

Ms Harney opened her party’s annual conference in Cork last night by paying tribute to Pope John Paul II following her return from his funeral in Rome.

“He showed leadership by standing for his beliefs even when they were not popular; he lived life to the full as a human being at the epicentre of history, showing how one person can lead events,” the Tánaiste said.

This is also the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Anglo-Irish Agreement and the Tánaiste paid tribute to the people who shaped it.