Future of PDs may hinge on Grealish decision

THE future of the Progressive Democrats is likely to be decided at a meeting this evening where one of its two remaining TDs, Noel Grealish, will clarify whether he will stay in the party or join Fianna Fáil.

The Galway West TD will bring to an end speculation that began straight after last year’s general election when the party lost six Dáil seats.

Mr Grealish said yesterday: “This speculation has been driven by the media and the whole issue will be clarified tomorrow night. I look forward to the meeting.”

Two crucial meetings for the party will take place in Newbridge, Co Kildare, this evening. Firstly between the four parliamentary party members, including Mr Grealish, Health Minister Mary Harney, the party leader Senator Ciaran Cannon and Senator Fiona O’Malley. Originally scheduled for last Wednesday, the meeting was postponed as a mark of respect after a close friend of Mr Grealish died suddenly. The parliamentary party members will then meet the PD councillors where it is expected they will discuss a proposed merger with Fianna Fáil.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen denied any “formal” talks were taking place, but accepted the possibility of informal contacts between individuals. Fianna Fáil TDs meeting at their party’s conference in Galway yesterday said they felt sad about the demise of the PDs, but would welcome PD members into what some described as their “natural home”.

Government chief whip Pat Carey said it was up to the PDs to decide their own future but added: “We are heading into the European and local elections and we obviously want to put forward the strongest possible team we can field in all parts of the country, and we’re always looking for new talent.”

Seamus Kirk, chairman of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, said a merger “is an issue we would have to reflect on” but “many of the people who have been involved with the PDs over the years have been from the Fianna Fáil gene pool and we would have to take account of that fact”.