Sir, – As a former member of the Progressive Democrats (PDs), I read Kathy Sheridan's interview with Des O'Malley with great interest ("Des O'Malley: 'I didn't have a thick enough skin'", October 25th).
There is much to admire about the political legacy of Mr O’Malley; his handling of the arms crisis, opposition to Charles Haughey and his revulsion at Sinn Féin.
But I was surprised at his reaction to the resignation of then tánaiste and leader of the PDs Michael McDowell on the day of the 2007 election count. Perhaps Mr O’Malley felt sick at the reaction of the crowd, which stopped Mr McDowell from entering the RDS, but the article gave the impression that it was the resignation itself which galled Mr O’Malley.
It is disappointing that Mr O’Malley cannot understand that Mr McDowell’s election night resignation was not unique and is common in politics when a party has suffered a defeat. Michael Noonan announced his resignation as Fine Gael leader on election count night in 2002.
The demise of the PDs was not caused by Mr McDowell’s resignation but it did signal the party was coming to an end. It was a sad moment for members of the party and members of the public who had respected Mr McDowell as a very fine tánaiste and minister for Justice. – Yours, etc,
JOHN KENNY,
Monkstown Valley,
Co Dublin.