A Political and Economic Dictionary of Western Europe, First Edition
Progressive Democrats (PD)
The Progressive Democrats (PD) is the market liberal party in Ireland. Founded in 1985, it is the only party to the right of the two main centrist parties, Fianna Fáil (FF) and Fine Gael. The party stands for low taxation, privatization of enterprise and a minimalist welfare state. It is a secularist party which, in contrast to the Catholic parties in Ireland, adopts a liberal position on issues such as divorce and abortion. It is a non-nationalistic party and does not campaign for the unification of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Since 1997 PD has been junior partner in a coalition with FF, with leader Mary Harney as Tanaiste (Deputy Prime Minister). The FF-PD coalition completed a five-year term of office (1997–2002), the longest term of any government in the history of the Republic. In elections held on 17 May 2002 the FF-PD coalition was re-elected, with PD increasing its share of the vote and its parliamentary representation. PD currently has eight seats in the 166-seat Dáil Éireann.
Party Leader: Mary Harney
Address: 25 South Frederick St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel: (0)1 6794399
Fax: (0)1 6794757
E-mail: info@progressivedemocrats.ie
Internet: www.progressivedemocrats.ie
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