The Progressive Democrats' leadership has attempted to sharpen the image of the party at its annual conference by reactivating policies on income tax reform, taking an uncompromising stand on the link between the IRA and Sinn Féin and, in a briefing with The Irish Times yesterday, suggesting that the party would consider its position if elements of transport policy are not implemented.
At a well-attended and positive gathering in Killarney, delegates were told the party hoped to double the number of its councillors in the coming local elections.
The party has enjoyed mixed fortunes since it was formed 19 years ago. It won 14 Dáil seats in 1987; dropped to six seats; rebounded to ten; fell to 4 and, in 2002, recovered with eight seats. The party's economic and social policies have had an impact far beyond its size on the political system. And its leader, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Harney, has spent 10 of the last 14 years in government.
Its success in the last general election was based on the premise that Fianna Fáil could not be trusted and needed a "minder" in government. Subsequently, the Progressive Democrats escaped the anger of the electorate when pre-election promises were broken. On this occasion, the influence of Mr Tom Parlon is obvious as the party seeks local credit for the decentralisation of Government Departments. Aggressive criticisms of the IRA and its criminal activities by Mr Michael McDowell is intended to appeal to older Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil voters. And, in advance of negotiations on a new wage deal, Ms Harney spoke of income tax bands being linked to inflation in future budgets and people on the average industrial wage paying tax at 20 per cent.
In its general election manifesto of 2002, the Progressive Democrats promised to index tax bands and credits and to ensure that no more than 20 per cent of workers paid tax at the higher rate. That hasn't happened. And an extra 50,000 workers are now being taxed at 42 per cent. Ms Harney went further by suggesting that funds being used by the Coalition Government to pay interest on special savings accounts should, in two or three years time, be redirected towards care of the elderly.
Delegates warmly welcomed the proposal. But there was no indication Fianna Fáil had been consulted.
The Progressive Democrats have a good record in improving old age pensions. They favour the introduction of competition and the break-up of State monopolies. And they support radical reform in the health services. But, having recently lost ground to both Sinn Féin and the Green Party, the party needs to do well in the local elections.