Kenny focuses on symbolism of PD defection

THE defection of a Progressive Democrat councillor to Fine Gael is a symbolic blow to the government’s partners, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny claimed yesterday.

In a further signal of the PDs decline, Dún Laoghaire County Council’s Mary Mitchell O’Connor yesterday announced her decision to switch party allegiances.

A spokesman for the PD leader Mary Harney last night said she was “disappointed” by the decision but wished Ms O’Connor well.