Voting for new PD leader to close this evening

The race to elect a new leader for the Progressive Democrats is coming to a close, with the deadline for casting votes due to expire this evening.

Senators Fiona O'Malley and Ciaran Cannon are both vying to replace Mary Harney in the job.

Ms Harney has been acting leader since Michael McDowell resigned in May after losing his Dail seat.

The votes cast by party members will be counted tomorrow, with the new leader due to be announced on Wednesday.