Loss of senior PD paves way for O’Malley leadership

THE Progressive Democrats have lost another senior figure in the shape of former senator Tom Morrissey, who confirmed to the Irish Examiner yesterday that he has quit politics.

Mr Morrissey unsuccessfully contested general elections for the PDs in 2002 and this year. He was nominated to the Seanad by the party in 2002 and served a five-year term.

His departure from the political arena cements new senator Fiona O’Malley’s position as frontrunner to succeed Mary Harney as party leader.