Cannon sinks FF deal rumours but fails to deny talks

LEADER of the Progressive Democrats Ciaran Cannon last night insisted there was “no deal done” to merge with Fianna Fáil.

As speculation continues about the imminent demise of the PDs, reports yesterday suggested its leadership had held talks with Fianna Fáil about the possibility of being subsumed into the larger party. The Sunday Tribune reported that the PDs had already sought legal and financial advice on the implications of winding up the party.

But in a statement last night, Mr Cannon said he wanted to dispel the “rumours” that a deal was “almost complete”. The statement did not contradict the claim that some form of talks had taken place, however.

Similarly, speaking in Cork, Taoiseach Brian Cowen insisted no “formal” talks had occurred. However, he appeared to confirm some form of contact between Transport Minister Noel Dempsey, a key Fianna Fáil strategist, and want-away PD TD Noel Grealish. “This is very much an internal matter that has been discussed within the debate within the Progressive Democrats party itself. We respect that,” he said.

“There are no formal talks taking place whatsoever. As you know, Noel Dempsey and Noel Grealish have been friends and colleagues for a number of years, but I want to make it clear that these matters are internal to the Progressive Democrats in the first instance and doesn’t apply to our party until they come to their own decisions as to what they wish to do in respect of their own party’s deliberations,” said Mr Cowen. Mr Cannon said his party was at “a significant crossroads” with “very challenging decisions” to make.

“We alone will make these decisions based on a careful analysis of our current situation. There is no deal done to merge with Fianna Fáil or any other party for that matter. There is no draft outline of any agreement,” he said.

“There have been approaches made by other parties to our elected representatives on an individual basis, which is no secret. However, these have never developed to a point where a critical mass of defections would precipitate a merger and I seriously doubt if that could ever occur.”