THE Progressive Democrats are expected to have a battle on their hands to retain two Dail seats in Limerick East in the general election, following the announcement by Mr Peadar Clohessy of his intention to retire.
Mr Clohessy has been a party stalwart in the constituency, where the former leader, Mr Des O'Malley, is also a TD.
The Progressive Democrats leader, Ms Mary Harney, said yesterday she was confident of retaining a second seat. A candidate selection convention is expected to take place early in the new year.
Mr Clohessy was 62 this month and is a founder-member of the PDs. He was first elected to the Dail for Fianna Fail in 1981 but failed to win a seat in the February 1982 election and did not contest the November that year. He became a TD for the second time in 1987 for the PDs. He was the party's chief wip and assistant government whip between 1989 and 1992. He has been the party's spokeman on defence and the marine since 1993.