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.

If members vote in favour of winding up the party, she is likely to become an independent TD in which case her cabinet position would come under question.

“If the ground changes, we will certainly deal with it then,” said the Taoiseach’s spokesperson. Speaking to the media on Monday, Ms Harney refused to comment on the political implications for her of either outcomes at Saturday’s meeting.

A spokesperson for Ms Harney said she has not yet held discussions with Mr Cowen on the implications for the Government if the party does wind up.

The spokesperson said Ms Harney would not speculate on her future until after Saturday’s meeting. “I don’t imagine there is any particular requirement or function of her seeking a meeting with the Taoiseach on the matter,” he said.

The Taoiseach’s spokesperson accepted that Ms Harney’s resignation from the PDs may raise issues for Mr Cowen.

“As things stand, the PDs have a minister in Government,” he said.

“If the ground changes, the ground changes, but that is not going to happen until next Saturday,” he said.

Senator Ciarán Cannon said if they vote to keep the party going, he will resign as leader and leave the party.

He is expected to join Fine Gael.