Madam, - As a former election candidate for the Progressive Democrats, I note with interest the election of Senator Ciaran Cannon as leader of the party. He now heads the remnants of a political organisation that once held 14 seats in Dáil Éireann.
Unfortunately for Senator Cannon, his task appears hopeless. His party has two TDs, one of whom has openly admitted to having been in talks with Fianna Fáil. The other is possibly the most unpopular Cabinet Minister in recent history. Mary Harney's appalling performance as Minister for Health has ensured that the Progressive Democrats now appear to be little more than the political wing of the HSE - an organisation that has earned the contempt of the electorate through repeated displays of incompetence.
It is a pity that Senator Cannon has chosen to continue to support Ms Harney and her 18,000 HSE administrators. As a result I have no doubt that his party is doomed.
- Yours, etc,
Dr RUAIRI HANLEY, Francis Street, Drogheda, Co Louth.