The Progressive Democrats have suffered another blow with the decision of prominent Dublin city councillor Wendy Hederman to leave politics.
Although her move closely follows the departure of Tom Parlon last week, she emphasised yesterday that she made up her mind to retire from politics well before the general election.
"At the same time as being a city councillor, I have worked as a solicitor in my own law firm, and I am a mother of four young children," Cllr Hederman said.
"Regrettably, I have found it too difficult to continue doing all three properly. There are not enough hours in the week for me to effectively represent my constituents along with the other demands on my time. Rather than only half do the job as councillor, I decided at the end of 2006 to resign from the council," she said.
Cllr Hederman said that she had informed senior people in the party of her decision some time ago but they had asked her to stay on until after the general election.
"I had hoped that with the election out of the way I could gracefully bow out, but because of the result and Michael McDowell's resignation on the night of the election I decided to leave it for a few weeks," she added.
During her three years on Dublin City Council, Cllr Hederman was involved in key issues such as Dublin City's Development Plan, Lansdowne stadium, the proposed Ballsbridge redevelopment, the incinerator in Poolbeg, and the HGV strategy.
The chairman of the PD constituency organisation, Michael McInerney, paid tribute yesterday to the retiring councillor's work over the past three years.
"Wendy worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Pembroke. Despite being one among 52 councillors, Wendy has earned the respect of her colleagues in Dublin City Council for her contribution. Whoever we choose as our new councillor will have a hard act to follow. While I greatly regret her decision, both the officer board and I fully respect and support Wendy," said Mr McInerney.
Cllr Hederman emphasised that she intends to continue as an active member of the PD party, and to stay involved in local issues. "I will remain committed to the party which I believe has done a huge amount for Irish politics over the past two decades," she said.