Madam, - I read with interest the news that Mary Harney wishes to remain leader of the Progressive Democrats. Ms Harney has led the party for 13 years making her the longest serving political leader in the Republic of Ireland.
In recent years the party vote has been steadily declining. This was dramatically illustrated in the 2004 local elections when the Progressive Democrats won only 19 council seats, having had a minimum target of 60.
In the European election, held on the same day, the party won zero votes having been incapable of finding a single candidate on the entire island.
In spite of these electoral reverses Mary Harney has remained leader of the party.
Yet in recent opinion polls core support for the Progressive Democrats continues to lie within the margin of error (3 per cent).
The Tánaiste has also witnessed a dramatic decline in her personal satisfaction rating as a result of her apparent inability to deal with the crisis in our health service.
After 13 years, and with an election imminent, I believe that it is time for a change of leadership. - Yours, etc,
RUAIRÍ HANLEY, The Rise, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin.