The Labour and PD lesson from 2002 is to never write anyone off

THIS year will probably be best remembered for things like the introduction of the euro, and the first re-election of a coalition in the history of the State.

Bertie Ahern's return to power was not nearly as surprising as the showing by the Progressive Democrats, whom the pundits were virtually writing off at the beginning of the year.

Before the general election they got a boost with the acquisition of Tom Parlon and Michael McDowell as candidates, but then they lost one of their founding stalwarts, Bobby Molloy, in extraordinary circumstances. He was accused of making improper advances to a judge by trying to make representations on behalf of a constituent awaiting sentencing following a conviction for incestuous rape. The PDs were further hurt by some pathetic efforts to defend Molloy's indefensible behaviour.