The long goodbye: PDs finally call it a day

Political Correspondent Paul O’Brien traces the history of the PDs.

THE Progressive Democrats were founded in December 1985 by Des O’Malley and Mary Harney, both of whom had left Fianna Fáil after clashing with its then leader, Charles Haughey.

Mr O’Malley had been a long-time opponent of Mr Haughey, voting for George Colley in the 1979 FF leadership contest. Mr Haughey defeated Mr Colley, but Mr O’Malley wasn’t finished, being involved in several unsuccessful heaves against the party leader.