Three PD contenders for a two-horse leadership race

THE Progressive Democrats are facing a three-way contest for the party leadership, with frontrunner Tom Parlon facing challenges from both Fiona O’Malley and Senator Tom Morrissey.

Ms O’Malley, who lost her Dáil seat in Dun Laoghaire, and Sen Morrissey indicated yesterday that they would contest the leadership election in September.

The emergence of three possible leadership candidates will pose a headache for acting party leader Mary Harney, who has the responsibility of choosing the two PD politicians who will be among the Taoiseach’s nominees to the Seanad.