Opponents’ destiny in balance as decision nears

WITH Justice Minister Michael McDowell in a seemingly dominant position within the parliamentary party, his potential rivals for the leadership now face intriguing futures.

Speculation was mounting in Leinster House last night that Laois-Offally TD and former IFA president Tom Parlon may cut a deal easing Mr McDowell’s path to being Tánaiste and getting the PD presidency in return.

The outcome for Liz O’Donnell appears less rosy as the Dublin South TD is known to have a less than close relationship with Mr McDowell.