Voting in PD leadership contest closes

Voting in the Progressive Democrats leadership contest has closed.

Senators Fiona O'Malley and Ciarán Cannon were the only candidates contesting the postal ballot.

The outcome will be decided by an electoral college featuring the four parliamentary party members (40 per cent), councillors and national executive (30 per cent) and the party's membership (30 per cent). A total of 3,900 members are eligible to vote. Voting closes at 5pm.

The result of the contest was to be announced this  Wednesday but has been deferred as a mark of respect because former president Patrick Hillery’s State funeral is taking place that day. The result will now be announced on Thursday morning.

Ms O’Malley, a former TD and the daughter of party founder Des O’Malley, has pledged to rid the PDs of what she called the "right-wing 'uncaring' tag"  by becoming the party for working people.

Mr Cannon has called for an overhaul of the party’s structure so that a “new and resurgent” PDs can set the agenda for the next 20 years.

Michael McDowell resigned the leadership of the party after losing his Dáil seat last year, and Minster for Health Mary Harney has been standing in as acting leader since then.

Ms Harney praised Ms O'Malley and Mr Cannon as two "extraordinarily committed" members of the Seanad but did not indicate which candidate she was supporting in the race to become the fourth PD leader.