O’Donnell won’t run for PD leadership

THE PD leadership race looked like it would be an easy victory for Tom Parlon last night as his biggest rival stepped aside.

Former TD and minister Liz O’Donnell said she had decided against standing for the top job despite being deputy leader.

Caretaker leader Mary Harney and Noel Grealish were the only PDs to hold their Dáil seats during the party’s election rout which saw former Tánaiste Michael McDowell head the list of losers.

PD president Parlon is firm favourite to take over the leadership. However, he may face a challenge from ex-TD Fiona O’Malley, the daughter of the party’s founder, Des. Ms O’Malley said she is still deciding whether or not to contest the election, but conceded that Mr Parlon would be a good leader and well placed to re-organise the PDs.

Ms Harney took over the leadership on a temporary basis and has indicated that neither she nor Mr Grealish are interested in the position in the long-term.

The party’s national executive met last night to look at changing the rules so that a non-TD can lead the PDs.

Such a move would have to be approved by the next national conference.