SUCH is the shortage of Progressive Democrats TDs in the wake of the party's abysmal performance in the general election that only one of its Dail deputies - Mr Des O'Malley, the former party leader - is not involved in the negotiations with Fianna Fail on the formation of a new government.
The party has appointed its other most experienced politician, Mr Bobby Molloy, and its justice spokeswoman, Ms Liz O'Donnell, to meet Fianna Fail representatives in discussions which are expected to bear fruit by the weekend.
Mr Molloy was involved in the 1989 talks which led Fianna Fail into coalition for the first time in its history.
Two key Progressive Democrats advisers, Mr John Murray and Mr Maurice Roche, are participating in the talks.
Fianna Fail is represented at the negotiations by the party's chief whip, Mr Dermot Ahern, and its environment spokesman, Mr Noel Dempsey.
The latter was involved in the 1992 negotiations which led to the establishment of the Fianna Fail-Labour alliance.
Fianna Fail's head of research, Dr Martin Mansergh, and the party's political director, Mr Gerry Hickey, are also taking part.
Whatever animosity existed between the two parties in the past appears to have been buried as both sides attempt to get off to a fresh start.
Having agreed an agenda, the programme for government will deal with specific objectives for reductions in personal taxation and public spending targets as well as particular steps to counter crime.
All areas of government policy will be covered in the talks.
The end-product of the negotiations - a joint manifesto - will be put to both parties for approval.