The majority of the State's 29 Progressive Democrats councillors will meet in Galway today for "frank discussion" on the future of the party following its dismal performance in last year's general election.
The meeting has been organised by Galway West TD Noel Grealish, one of the two PDs who remain in the Dáil. The other is party leader and Minister for Health Mary Harney.
Mr Grealish told The Irish Times last night that it is the first time that all of the party's councillors will come together to debate the future of the party.
"I called the meeting because I want an open and frank discussion among all elected councillors," he said. "We need to take a long, hard look at the organisation and what we need to do, what needs to be done," he said.
Mr Grealish said that councillors would also have to deal with the thorny question of the future existence of the party, a controversy that was stoked again last week when Paul Mackay, a trustee of the party, suggested it should be wound up.
Ms Harney will not be present at the meeting, which Mr Grealish said was going to be councillor-led. There has been ongoing speculation that Mr Grealish may be considering joining Fianna Fáil in Galway West. He confirmed that he did hold a meeting with the Minister for Community and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív.
However, he said that contrary to speculation he has made no decision on his future, nor does he intend to make one soon.
