Progressive Democrats leader Ciaran Cannon finally ended speculation about his political future when he publicly announced today that he was joining the main Opposition party.
Welcoming Senator Cannon to the fold at a press conference on the plinth outside Leinster House, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said in a statement: “This is yet another good news story for a Fine Gael team that is growing from strength to strength. Ciarán Cannon is a politician of real ability and commitment and I am delighted that he has chosen to join the Fine Gael Party.
"I know that he had other options when considering his future, and I welcome the fact that he chose a re-energised and dynamic Fine Gael party when deciding on how best to maintain his commitment to national politics.”
In a statement on his move, Senator Cannon said: “I have been particularly impressed with the [Fine Gael] party’s very positive and constructive approach to the current economic crisis the country is facing and note the very progressive policies announced recently on Oireachtas reform, education reform and job creation.”
Senator Cannon categorically denied claims that he was ejected from the PD executive meeting last week when he announced his intention to join Fine Gael.
He was flanked on the plinth by sitting Fine Gael TDs for Galway East Ulick Burke and Paul Connaughton, and Fine Gael leader in the Seanad, Frances Fitzgerald.
Mr Kenny's statement added: "I know that he [Senator Cannon] had other options when considering his future and I welcome the fact that he chose a re-energised and dynamic Fine Gael party when deciding on how best to maintain his commitment to national politics."
Mr Kenny said that since Fine Gael won six of the eight PD seats in the 2007 election the future of that party has been in doubt.
The Fine Gael leader wished Mr Cannon well on this "new phase" of his political career and said he looked forward to him making a "very positive contribution to the party".
Senator Cannon said he was "very excited about this new start".
"With the PDs winding up as a party I had a tough decision to make about my own political future and how best to continue representing the people of East Galway. I was flattered by the approaches made by a number of sources, but am very happy that the Fine Gael Party led by Enda Kenny is the right option for me."
The new Fine Gael senator said he wished to thank all his former colleagues in the PDs and wish them well for the future.
The fourth PDs leader, who is based in Carrabane, Athenry, had been in talks with Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore. He also had a preliminary discussion with a Fianna Fáil representative.
Fianna Fáil today criticised the switch and called on Senator Cannon to give up his seat in the Seanad.
Mattie McGrath, Fianna Fail Tipperary South TD, accused the Senator of hypocrisy. “I don’t see how he can in all good faith remain as a senator,” said Mr McGrath.
“He was appointed as part of the Government coalition but now that he is a member of Fine Gael he will not be able to do that. He has no mandate whatsoever. He would not be in the Oireachtas if was not appointed by a Fianna Fáil Taoiseach [Bertie Ahern]. That is a fact.
“So for him to carry on in his current position is complete hypocrisy. He should do the honourable thing and stand down now.”