Analysis/Progressive Democrats: The PDs' absence from the European election contributed to an unimpressive local election result, writes Mark Brennock.
The Progressive Democrats' 23 per cent in Galway City was their highlight. Elsewhere there were some modest improvements, some losses and none of the breakthroughs for which they had hoped.
For a small party, the national percentage vote means little. The key factor is how well they do in the areas where they already have TDs, or in target constituencies for the next general election.
By late last night the party had won 20 council seats with a possibility of a 21st. In 1999, however, they won 25. It wasn't a disaster such as Fianna Fáil experienced, but was a significant disappointment.
Tom Parlon's organisation may call Laois/Offaly "Parlon Country" but it isn't PD country.
Ambitiously they ran eight candidates for Laois County Council, and nine in Offaly. While Mr Parlon won 14 per cent of the vote in 2002, his enormous local organisation won just 10 per cent of the vote in Laois and 7 per cent in Offaly. They won three county council seats between Laois and Offaly.
The former Irish Farmers' Association leader's attempt to build his influence in the party to allow him launch a leadership campaign have suffered a setback.
The other talked about leadership contender Mr Michael McDowell had a mixed day. The four to one majority in favour of his citizenship referendum shows overwhelming national assent for his plans, despite opponents' claims that they were divisive.
His Dublin South East constituency produced the PDs only one Dublin City councillor, Ms Wendy Hederman, who was elected in the Pembroke Ward. However, in the same Dáil constituency the PDs were particularly disappointed at the showing of Mr Tony Williams in Rathmines, an articulate candidate who ran a strong campaign but failed to make it.
The Longford home of PD deputy Ms Mae Sexton produced no PD surge, nor did Ms Fiona O'Malley's Dún Laoghaire or Ms Liz O'Donnell's South County Dublin.
The absence of the party from the European parliament election was undoubtedly a factor. Strong personality candidates running for other parties attracted the attention of voters during the campaign. The fact that the PDs did not persuade a high profile individual to contest the European election meant the party was on the sidelines during much of the campaign.