17/09/2008

No More Progress For Progressive Democrats

Leaders of the Progressive Democrat Party have described the party as no longer viable, following a meeting to discuss the party's future.

The four PD members of the Oireachtas made the collective statement, effectively marking the end for the party and its 3,000 members.

On Tuesday night, the parliamentary party met in Co Kildare and held talks with its Councillors to discuss winding up the Progressive Democrats after 23 years.

The Galway West TD Noel Grealish, who was expected to announce a defection to Fianna Fail last night, has instead agreed to stay within the party until a final conference to be held sometime in October.

PD leader, Senator Ciarán Cannon, said the power to dissolve the PDs rested "solely with the members" but at the October conference "everybody will have an opportunity to voice their opinion".

The party has struggled recover since being decimated in the last General Election were they returned only two members.

(DW/JM)

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