MINISTER FOR Health Mary Harney will remain in the post after the Progressive Democrats disband as a political party, the three coalition parties confirmed yesterday.
Following the decision of the party's membership at the weekend to wind up the PDs after 23 years in existence, Ms Harney said she would not be joining any other political party either now or in the future.
She also intimated she would like to stay on as Minister for Health.
Questioned about the matter, she said she had no entitlement to ministerial office as an individual. But she added: "I am very passionate about health reform. I think we are making enormous progress. It's a challenge. It's difficult. It's not easy but I love it and relish it.
"But clearly it's a matter for the Taoiseach when the Progressive Democrats no longer cease to exist," she said.
Last night, sources close to the Government on both the Fianna Fáil and Green Party sides said there would be no objection to Ms Harney continuing in her position until next summer's local and European elections, at the very least.
"From the Taoiseach's point of view, unless she wants out, she will not be out," said a senior source.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen, in a statement on the decision by the PDs to wind up, singled out Ms Harney for praise in what was interpreted as a strong expression of support. "I wish to confirm that Mary Harney enjoys my full confidence and support and is a valued and experienced member of Government," he said.
The Greens also said that her remaining in Cabinet as an independent TD was not an issue.
"Cabinet appointments are entirely a matter for the Taoiseach. Party leader John Gormley believes that Ms Harney has worked very hard as a Cabinet colleague," said the party's spokesman.
Ms Harney's spokesman also confirmed her willingness to continue in the current role: "Respecting the fact that it is the Taoiseach's decision, she is ready to serve," he said.
Ms Harney would be only the second minister since the foundation of the State not to be aligned to a political party. James Dillon was minister for agriculture between 1948 and 1951 when he was an independent TD. He later rejoined Fine Gael, from which he had resigned in 1942 over its stance on neutrality during the second World War.
Fine Gael TD Enda Kenny said his party would continue to attack the policies of Ms Harney, notwithstanding her becoming an independent TD. He called on Mr Cowen to make a statement on her status.
Fine Gael will renew its criticisms of Ms Harney this week in the Dáil with a motion calling on her to reverse the cuts in the cervical cancer vaccination programme.
At the special meeting in Mullingar on Saturday, delegates backed the party's leadership in its conclusion the PDs had no viable political future. An amendment calling for the party to continue in existence was defeated by 201 votes to 161 votes. An estimated 500 members attended the meeting, which heard passionate speeches for and against disbanding.
Ms Harney spoke without notes in what was described by several delegates as a powerful speech. She told the meeting it was her saddest day in politics, made more poignant by the fact that 23 years previously, to the day, she was in Des O'Malley's home planning the formation of the PDs.
She said the party did not have a leadership with the required energy, calibre and standing to lead it into the future. Afterwards, she acknowledged that the margin of 40 votes was "very close" by any standard.
