Brennan weighs in behind McDowell for PDs leadership

Two members of the Progressive Democrats parliamentary party have said they will be backing Minister for Justice Michael McDowell as the new leader of the party.

Mr McDowell is widely expected to put himself forward for the position following Mary Harney's announcement yesterday that she would be stepping down as soon as a new leader is found.

Other names linked with the job include Liz O'Donnell and Tom Parlon, but Junior Minister Tim O'Malley and Senator Michael Brennan said today that they would be backing Mr McDowell due to his political record.

Mr O’Malley said the Minister for Justice had tackled gangland crime and problems in the Gardaí head-on and had not shied away from difficult situations.

"He has been extremely courageous and it is my view that Michael McDowell should be and hopefully will be the next leader of the Progressive Democrats," Mr O'Malley said.

Mr Brennan, meanwhile, said he believed Mr McDowell was ideally situated to revitalise the PDs and lead them into the next general election.