The most positive political event of 2007 was the implosion of the Progressive Democrats. Mary Harney is still in power, still busily building a two tier health system but at least Michael McDowell, the most dangerous right wing politician in Irish history is – history.
And judging from a report in today’s Irish Examiner, it looks like the party is well and truly over.
Fiona O’Malley, the only remaining high profile name in the ring as a potential leader, was running a mini-marathon in Milan when the party was meeting to change the rules that would have allowed her to assume the mantle. So, not much interest there.
Ms. O’Malley was unavailable for comment because she’s in Bali for the UN climate change conference – Guess who’s paying for that trip?