O’Donnell 'to challenge McDowell for PD leadership'

Progressive Democrats TD Liz O'Donnell is reportedly set to challenge Minister for Justice Michael McDowell for the leadership of the party.

The leadership issue first arose last week when it emerged that Mr McDowell challenged Mary Harney to live up to a promise she apparently made to step down before the next election.

Mr McDowell apparently wants to take control of the PDs, but reports this morning said Ms O'Donnell now looked set to challenge him for the post after refusing to rule herself out of the running.

The reports said the bookies had also installed her as even-money favourite to replace Ms Harney.