FINE Gael has accused the Progressive Democrats of "shoddy politics" following the defection of one of its general election candidates, councillor Mr Tom Morrissey, to the party.
Cllr Morrissey is today expected to confirm his intention to join the Progressive Democrats and it is believed he will seek the party's nomination for Dublin West where he will challenge his former parry colleague and Minister of State, Mr Austin Currie.
The move has surprised Fine Gael and a spokesman yesterday sharply criticised the Progressive Democrats leader, Ms Mary Harney, for enticing Cllr Morrissey away from his old party.
"He was our candidate and the Fine Gael party feels very strongly that this was shoddy politics on the party of the PDs.
"Tom Morrissey had signed a solemn party pledge when he was selected at convention to contest the Dublin West constituency along with Austin Currie," the spokesman added.
Fine Gael must now set about selecting another candidate to replace Mr Morrissey and it is understood that it will not be an easy task with the general election expected within two months.
The defecting councillor represented Fine Gael in the 1992 general election and in the Dublin West by election in 1996.
The defection follows hot on the heels of Senator Shane Ross's decision to resign from the Fine Gael parliamentary party.