PD vote risks Harney’s cabinet post

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen will consider whether Mary Harney should continue as Health Minister if Progressive Democrat members decide to wind up the party at a convention next weekend.

A spokesperson for Mr Cowen said last night that if the PD party winds up following next Saturday’s special convention in Mullingar “clearly there are issues” for the Taoiseach.

There is speculation that Ms Harney will resign from the party if members vote against her wishes to wind up the PDs at a special conference to be held in Mullingar.