Former Progressive Democrats TD for Dún Laoghaire Fiona O'Malley has said she believes Tom Parlon has the organisational skills needed in a party leader.
¬Ms O'Malley, speaking to The Irish Times yesterday, said that while she was not endorsing Mr Parlon before he had declared himself a candidate, she acknowledged that he had great organisational skills, which the party needed. She said that she had spoken to him on the matter and he had not yet made up his mind about running.
Ms O'Malley lost her seat in May, as did party leader Michael McDowell. Minister for Health Mary Harney agreed to act as PD leader temporarily, but ruled herself out of the post in the long run.
The PD national executive will decide today on a change in party rules to allow for a member not elected to the Dáil to be chosen as leader. This would clear the way for Mr Parlon, who lost his seat in Laois/Offaly, to run for the post.
Ms O'Malley, who is not a member of the national executive, said she was interested in talking to the party about its future at its general council meeting on Sunday, and in driving it forward, but she "probably had not enough experience" to seek a nomination for the leadership.
She added: "It is a difficult time for the party, but it is also a new opportunity. Sometimes the best things come out of these situations."
