A senior member of the Progressive Democrats has called on the party to pull out of Government or else dissolve.
In a letter to all PD members published in today's Irish Times, party trustee and one of its four founders, Paul Mackay said the party had been drifting "aimlessly and rudderless" for the last eight months and that it was now in a coalition comprising "a questionable political grouping" with a track record of "low standards in high places".
"As a senior member of the party I am alarmed and disappointed at the lack of debate and call to action within the party as to its future or otherwise. There is externally, within the media and elsewhere, a negative view as to the party's future.
"Is it not now opportune for members to express their views in a clear and logical manner as to whether or not the party has a viable political future?" he asked.
He said the fact that the party was leaderless had created a dangerous vacuum leading to a seriously depleted and demoralised parliamentary party.