Mary Harney's resignation statement in full
I wish to announce today that I have informed my parliamentary party colleagues this afternoon that I have decided now to stand down from the position of leader of the Progressive Democrats as soon as a successor is chosen.
It is my wish to allow a successor the opportunity to lead our party into the general election next year.
In my judgment this is now the right time as we prepare for a new Dáil session and after a period of reflection over summer.
I have had the tremendous privilege of leading this party for 13 years and serving as Tánaiste for nine. During this time our dreams for the well-being and progress of our country have begun to be fully realised.
Our party is playing a central role in this achievement and I am very proud of the contribution of all our members and public representatives to it.
The ideals, beliefs and policies of the Progressive Democrats are as relevant for the future of our country now as they were when we founded the party more than 20 years ago. It is vital that the successful economic policies of the last nine years are sustained. And our commitment to hard work in government is as strong as ever.
I want to pay tribute today to the great support and continued confidence I have received from parliamentary party colleagues, past and present, and party members and friends over 13 eventful years, especially those in my constituency organisation. It has been a privilege to lead such a dedicated group of people. I cannot thank them enough.
I have also received outstanding support as party leader and Tánaiste from my advisers and from party HQ staff - each and every one has given wholehearted, enthusiastic and professional advice and service to me over the past 13 years.
I also wish to pay tribute to the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern. I thank him personally and professionally for his collegiate and effective leadership in government. Our country has now enjoyed the benefits of nine years of stable government, implementing coherent economic and social policies to the benefit of the whole population.
I am totally committed to the continued economic success of our country, to supporting enterprise, keeping the tax burden low and, of course, to our essential reform programme in health.
The health reforms under way are permanent. We are turning the corner, we are making progress in a wide range of areas, and we have a continued strong agenda for change and progress for patients.
I am confident that there will be a smooth and positive party leadership election process and wish the new leader of our party every success.