PDs to meet to discuss party’s future

The fate of the Progressive Democrats is expected to become clearer over the coming days when members meet to discuss the party's future.

Sources say members will be considering a call from former leader Mary Harney for them to be realistic about the party's chances of continuing.

The PDs are due to hold a parliamentary party meeting and a wider gathering over the next two days to decide their future.

It comes amid intense speculation that the party is about to merge with Fianna Fáil.

Yesterday PD leader Senator Ciaran Cannon denied this was the case, though he admitted the Progressive Democrats were at a 'significant crossroads'.

Noel Grealish, the party's only back bencher, has been widely linked with a defection to Fianna Fáil, a move that would leave the PDs with just one TD - Health Minister Mary Harney.

Last week she called on her colleagues to be realistic about the party's chances of continuing.