Party president would have extended powers

When Michael McDowell proposed changing the name of the PDs to the Radical Party, he also suggested some alterations to the bureaucracy of the party - changes that would have given the office he hoped to occupy huge power.

Article 16 of the PDs' constitution would be altered to reflect the existence of a president of the Radical Party and to define the relationship between the president and the party leader. Mr McDowell hoped to be president.

Under the amended article 16 the role of the party leader (Tanaiste Mary Harney) would be confined to leading the parliamentary party in the Oireachtas and carrying out other functions as explained in article 9 of the constitution, which include directing the staff and officers of the parliamentary party, and party workers connected to the Government.

All other functions currently assigned to the party leader would be transferred to the new party president.

Mr McDowell's proposals continue: 4 "The party president shall be the chief executive officer of the party and the other officers and employees of the party shall be under his control and direction.

5 "The parliamentary party leader and the party president shall confer and co-operate fully to ensure that their functions are carried out harmoniously and effectively.

6 "The party president shall be responsible to the general council and to the national executive for the implementation of the following programmes:

(a) Transformation, development and expansion of the party into an effective national political movement. (b) Renewal and expansion of the party's organisation and membership. (c) The process of policy development and overseeing the preparation of a draft general election manifesto for consideration and approval by the general council. (d) Establishing and strengthening the distinctive image and independence of the party.

7 "The party president shall be appointed by and accountable to the general council.

8 "The party president shall be an ex officio member of the national executive and of the general council.

9 "The party president may appoint not more than two party members to serve as additional members of the national executive."