The Progressive Democrats will contest the next general election as an independent party, the party leader and Tanaiste, Ms Harney, said last night. She was speaking at the convention to select her to stand as their candidate in the Dublin Mid West constituency.
However, she said it was clear that the next administration would be a coalition and that it would be led by either Fianna Fail or Fine Gael. The policy orientation, however, would be determined to a considerable degree by which party was junior partner in the coalition.
Her party would fight the election on the basis of its own distinctive policies and distinctive principles. "Past experience shows that the Progressive Democrats fare best when we go it alone and fare worst when we enter pre-election pacts with one of the two larger parties. We have learned from our mistakes and we will not be entering into any pre-election pact next time round."
Ms Harney was elected unopposed to stand in Dublin Mid West, a new constituency. She was first elected to her old constituency, Dublin South West, in 1981.
Ms Harney said that 15 years ago the PDs charted a new course for the transformation of the Irish economy and the modernisation of Irish society. "Fifteen years on our policy platform is as relevant as ever. My aim is to substantially increase the number of Progressive Democrats seats in the next Dail. If we can achieve that goal we will be well positioned to play a key role in the formation of the next government."
She believed management of the economy and the public services would be the key issues at the next election. The Progressive Democrats, she said, will be offering voters the chance to continue with the policies which have dramatically reduced the level of unemployment and which have delivered unprecedented increases to pensioners.
"And we will be offering new and imaginative policies to promote social inclusion, modernise our health service and our national transport network. Those who want to take risks with our economic prosperity have other options. They can vote for risky parties with risky policies and put the economic future of this country in the balance."
It was generally accepted now, she said, that the next general election would be one of the more important in a generation. "It will determine whether this country is governed over the next decade according to liberal principles or leftist policies."
The choice facing voters was clear, she said. "If they opt for the modernising policies of the Progressive Democrats we could be facing into 10 more years of prosperity and stability, a decade of social progress such as we have never known in this country."