PDs ask Harney to resume leadership

The Progressive Democrats devastated by their poor election showing today revealed Mary Harney has been asked to resume the party leadership.

The outgoing Health Minister stood down as PD leader last September allowing her former Dáil colleague Michael McDowell to take over.

But the junior coalition partners were left considering the future of the party after only two of its eight TDs held their seats.

And the party revealed today Ms Harney has been asked to take on the leadership once again.

“Given the present circumstances, the chairman of the Progressive Democrats Peter Wyer has asked the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, to assume the functions and responsibilities of party leader until the formation of the next Government,” the PDs said.

It was a disastrous General Election for the party.

The highest profile casualty was outgoing Tánaiste and Justice Minister Mr McDowell who lost his seat in Dublin South-East prompting him to quit politics.

That blow was soon followed by Liz O’Donnell’s loss in Dublin South, Tom Parlon in Laois/Offaly, Fiona O’Malley in Dun Laoghaire, Tim O’Malley in Limerick and Mae Sexton in Meath.

Ms Harney was PD leader between 1993 and 2006.

She is currently the longest-serving female member of Dáil after first taking a seat for Fianna Fáil in 1981.

The PDs were formed 22 years ago by Des O’Malley, splitting from Fianna Fáil then led by Charles Haughey.