“I might be down but I am not out. I have every intention of contesting the next local elections and I would see the best option for me right now is to run as an independent,” said local PD councillor, Walter Lacey, following the devastating news that the Progressive Democrats are no longer politically viable.
Cllr Lacey admitted sadness at the news but stated firmly that, unlike his party, his future is viable and he will contest the local elections again in Carlow.
The party, who had an emergency meeting in Newbridge late on Tuesday night, heard from party leader Ciaran Cannon who said the four members of the parliamentary party – Cannon and TDs Mary Harney, Noel Grealish and Senator Fiona O’Malley had unanimously come to the conclusion that there was no political future for the party. But to dot all the ‘i’s and cross all the ‘t’s, he called for a general meeting in one month to have the 4,000 members voice their opinion, which will most likely result in a decision to bury the party.
“I'd like to think the party has a future but I am both a realist and a pragmatist, and I agree with Mary Harney that we have to be certain of the viability and sustainability of keeping the party going,” said Cllr Lacey yesterday, while he was still reeling from the special meeting’s funereal message.
“I’m saddened by the turn of events in Newbridge, but it wasn’t unexpected. The members of the Progressive Democrats have to face up to a very difficult decision. The Progressive Democrats have broken the mould in Irish politics and I don’t believe a return to the old ways is what the Irish electorate really wants. Nonetheless, we are where we are, and we must face up to it,” he said. But always with head held high, the lone PD representative in Carlow and Kilkenny said he was proud of the past and eagerly looked forward to the future.
“The Progressive Democrats, I believe, have made a valuable contribution to Irish society over the past 21 years and it is sad to see the party being ridiculed on a daily basis. If we are to fold-up our tent, we should do so constructively, and we should celebrate the last 21 years, 15 of them as part of government, rather than be brought down piece by piece.”
Cllr Lacey who came in off the street in 1985 to a public meeting held in the Royal Hotel, Carlow, and joined the Progressive Democrats, admits he has no other natural political home to return to. “If the party goes, which is, in all likelihood, what is going to happen, my best option now is to run as an Independent in Carlow.” he said.
