THE PROGRESSIVE Democrats will take soundings from its four founding members before a decision is taken whether to donate its archive to University College Dublin or the University of Limerick.
The two universities expressed an interest in acquiring the archive when it became known that the party was to be wound up. Both made detailed presentations to the party national executive.
A party spokesman said yesterday that the executive had deferred a decision so that it could confer with the four founding members of the party: its first leader Desmond O’Malley, successors Mary Harney and Michael McDowell and accountant Paul McKay.
The spokesman said that the founders may have additional material which can be added to the archive. He said no money was involved.
Neither academic institution has seen the archives of material gathered during the Progressive Democrats’ 22 years in existence. They made their respective presentations without knowing how extensive it is. The presentation on behalf of UCD was made by Prof Ronan Fanning, director of archive acquisitions. Prof Paul McCutcheon made the presentation on behalf of the University of Limerick.
He said the fact that party founder Des O’Malley came from Limerick added a sentimental connection to its request.
“We would see the PDs archive as a significant addition to our special collection and archives,” he said. “It is not often that you get an opportunity to acquire the entire papers of a political party and give it pride of place. The PD collection would not only augment but significantly boost our collection,” said Prof McCutcheon.
The UCD political archive includes the archives of both major parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, in addition to the individual papers of Éamon de Valera, Garret FitzGerald, Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh, Richard Mulcahy and Seán MacEntee.
UL has the papers of Limerick Labour TD Jim Kemmy, Dutch industrialist Tiede Herrema (kidnapped by the IRA in the 1970s), the papers of the Dunraven Estate and papers pertaining to the volunteers who fought in the O’Duffy Brigade during the Spanish Civil War.
A final decision on the destination of the archive is expected to be made later this month.
