RIP The Progressive Democrats

Today is a sad day for Irish Democracy.  At 21:08 DST, The Progressive Democrats Party voted itself out of existence. Regardless of my own personal opinions on what I believe the PD’s stood for, the PD’s represented an alternative choice for the Irish people. Founded in 1985, it formed its ranks from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael among others and did represent something different, something new in a politics that was stagnant, lack lustre and unadventorous.

This post is not meant to be about a history of the party – It will no longer exist in a couple of weeks. Rather this post is an acknowledgement of what the PD’s have offered and given to the cause of the Republic over the two decades it has been around. It is also further evidence of the demise of the smaller parties within our democracies. The PD leader Ciáran Cannon advised the meeja that members have come together “in bringing the party to a dignified end”. Other smaller parties have continued after electoral defeats – Socialist Workers, SF etc etc. Perhaps the argument could go that to consolidate in a single grouping is good for society and for individuals to get more down across a party basis. I personally disagree. Consolidation does not work if minds are enclosed within a structure and not allowed to blossom.

I only hope that what comes along does not consolidate too much. Independent thought is still legitimate and necessary.  Let’s hope the dynamism that brought about the PD’s about as a party can inspire others to come along can help in the lives of ordinary people.