New PD leader - Turbulent times ahead for McDowell

HUMBLE is not a word one normally associates with Michael McDowell but that was how the Minister for Justice described himself yesterday on assuming leadership of the Progressive Democrats.

Exuding a palpable aura of relief on being confirmed unopposed as the third leader of the PDs in almost 21 years, he will also take on the role of Tánaiste. Hence his unbridled gratitude to fellow TDs Liz O’Donnell and Tom Parlon for not challenging him following Mary Harney’s shock resignation last week.

Boasting only eight TDs and five senators, a divisive leadership battle would have inflicted irreparable damage on the junior coalition partner. That explains the united front at yesterday’s press conference, a carefully stage-managed affair aimed at portraying consensus within the struggling party belying its recent image of tension and internal rivalry.