Progressive Democrats

Political party in the Republic of Ireland, founded in 1985 by Desmond O'Malley following a power struggle with Charles Haughey in Fianna Fáil. The PDs are socially liberal but more right wing economically, and are less nationalist than the other major parties. The party won 14 seats in its first general election in 1987 but failed to maintain that strength. However, it entered coalition with Fianna Fáil 1989–92 and again with Fianna Fáil from 1997. It has been led since 1994 by Mary Harney, the first woman party leader in the Republic of Ireland.