Coalition rocked by Harney resignation

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will continue to gauge the implications for his government today after yesterday’s shock resignation of Mary Harney as leader of the Progressive Democrats.

The decision by the Tánaiste and Minster for Health could force a mini Cabinet reshuffle if current Minister for Justice Michael McDowell does not succeed her at the helm because she insisted that her successor must be a senior minister in government.

“I think it would be almost impossible for our parliamentary party leader to remain outside the Government,” she said.

However she also added that she was happy to continue in her Health and Children portfolio for the lifetime of the coalition if the Taoiseach agreed.

Opposition TDs have claimed Ms Harney’s decision has destabilised the Government, and some urged Mr Ahern to call an immediate general election ahead of the expected date in mid-2007.

Last night Mr Ahern warned that he would expect to get a clear commitment from the new PD leader that they would complete the agreed programme for government until the next general election.

He said: “If I do receive that commitment, it’s business as usual. If I didn’t, then it would be a different position.”

Dublin TD Liz O’Donnell and current Minister of State Tom Parlon are believed to be in the running for the leadership position with Mr McDowell.

Nominations close on Monday and votes will then be cast by the TDs and senators, councillors and the party’s national executive.

It is expected that a new leader will be elected before the Dáil returns from its summer recess on September 27.

Ms Harney insisted yesterday she was not influenced by any individual or issue in making her decision to quit after 13 years at the helm of the party.

She said she made up her mind while on a three-week holiday in Tuscany, Italy with her husband Brian Geoghegan.

The 53-year-old became involved in a public power struggle with Mr McDowell in June following a heated parliamentary party meeting on the leadership issue.

Mr McDowell is due to travel to the US tomorrow on a week-long official trip.

Ms Harney was the first female leader of an Irish political party and the longest-serving woman in the Oireachtas.