PDs celebrate 20th birthday

The Progressive Democrats are due to announce a series of events today to mark the beginning of their 20th year.

The party was founded on December 21, 1985, by Des O'Malley, following his falling out with Fianna Fáil leader Charles Haughey.

The majority of its early members were defectors from Fianna Fáil, but the PDs have since carved out their own niche as a party promoting free-market economics

The party has enjoyed remarkable success considering its small numbers, and has been in Government from 1989 to 1992 and from 1997 to the present.