PD councillor defects to Fine Gael

The Progressive Democrats have suffered another setback in their fortunes following the defection of a Dublin-based councillor to Fine Gael.

Mary Mitchell-O'Connor was elected in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown on the first attempt at the 2004 local elections.

Her move to Fine Gael raises further concerns about the future of the PDs, who lost six of their eight TDs during the General Election in May.

She is expected to be formally unveiled by Fine Gael during a photocall with Enda Kenny later today.