O'Malley officially declares for PD leadership

The race to be the next PD leader is heating up with Senator Fiona O'Malley officially throwing her hat in the ring today.

It is almost nine months since Michael McDowell stepped down as leader after he failed to retain his seat in last year's General Election.

Mary Harney has been at the helm ever since but has publicly expressed her desire to pass on the role.

All the PD membership of 3,900 are entitled to vote in the leadership contest and so far, only one other candidate is seeking the position - Senator Ciaran Cannon from Galway.

The closing date for nominations is tomorrow.