Fianna Fail lost out due to PDs - Linehan

THE latest member of the Lenihan family to be elected to the Dail has claimed that the Progressive Democrats were a "liability" to Fianna Fail in Dublin South West. Mr Conor Lenihan also said he believed the election was about "getting Mr Spring and his arrogant collection of handlers out of power".

Ms Mary Harney, the Progressive Democrats leader, elected in the same constituency, rejected his comments. Her statements did not cost votes in other constituencies, she said, and she did not think it was any different in Dublin South West.

"The small parties were squeezed out by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael," she said. "People decided to vote for whoever was going to be the strongest party in government." The surprise winner in the constituency was the outgoing Fine Gael senator, Mr Brian Hayes, who topped the poll. Labour's Mr Eamonn Walsh was beaten to the last seat by Mr Lenihan.

Speaking at the count in Tallaght Community School, Mr Lenihan said: "Ms Harney played to the PD rightwing agenda on the issues of water charges and single mothers. The idea about single mothers might have been correct instinctually but the statement offended a great many people, unfortunately for her. It damaged her campaign, it damaged the Fianna Fail campaign." Fianna Fail in Dublin South West did not get the swing it deserved, he said. "Our vote was only up by 1 per cent or less, largely attributable directly to our association with the Progressive Democrats. They have proved to be a liability in this constituency, though nationally I am not in a position to judge." He said: "Labour have suffered because of the leader of their party. That was the same problem we had with Mr Haughey." His preference was "to govern on our own, forming a minority administration" with the support of independents if the PDs did not have enough numbers.

Four TDs in the constituency, including Mr Lenihan, were elected on the seventh count. Mr Chris Flood of Fianna Fail was elected with 7,346 votes, passing the quota of 6,976. Mr Pat Rabbitte of Democratic Left also exceeded the quota with 7,037. Ms Harney was elected next without reaching the quota and Mr Lenihan took the final seat, also without reaching the quota.