The former mayor of Galway, Bridie O'Flaherty, who died yesterday aged 88, was a founder member of the Progressive Democrats and an important figure in its development as a national party.
She was twice elected as the Fianna Fáil mayor of Galway but caused a sensation in January 1986 when she defected to the PDs in the middle of her term of office. Her decision to leave the party with Bobby Molloy and join the fledgling PDs was a huge boost to the new party in the constituency.
Tánaiste Mary Harney yesterday spoke of her sadness at hearing of Mrs O'Flaherty's death. "Bridie was a very strong person with clear views and she was fearless in expressing them," said Ms Harney.
"She made a very important contribution both to the Progressive Democrats and to public service generally, especially in Galway." In June 2003, Bridie's daughter, Terry, became mayor of Galway. It was a unique event in the history of Irish local government - the only known instance of a mother and daughter both holding the position of mayor.
Ms Harney said her thoughts and prayers were with the O'Flaherty family.
