Fine Gael: Without Harney PDs are 'finished'

In response to the announced resignation of the PD leader Mary Harney, FG Councillor Lucinda Creighton described the party as heading towards the next elections "as a rudderless ship, set to run aground on the many rocks that will impede their course".

Ms Creighton: "My experience on the doorsteps over the past few months in Dublin South East has revealed a sharp decline in support for the PDs. Mary Harney alone was the one figure in the Party who commanded respect.