A former Progressive Democrats councillor has joined Fine Gael and will run for the party in the local elections in June.
Tony Delaney (44) will represent the Clondalkin ward in the South Dublin County Council area, along with Fine Gael councillor Therese Ridge.
He was co-opted to the council as a Progressive Democrat councillor for the Clondalkin electoral area in September 2008, following the resignation of councillor Alan McGaughey.
Mr Delaney is a native of Clondalkin. He is married to Aideen and they have two young children.
The process to formally wind up the Progressive Democrats as a party after 23 years of existence is currently in train.
In Mullingar last November, members backed the party leadership in its conclusion the PDs had no viable political future. An amendment calling for the party to continue in existence was defeated by 201 votes to 161 votes.
The 2007 general election was a disaster for the party founded in 1985 by Des O'Malley. Just two TDs were returned to the Dáil for the party - Noel Grealish in Galway West and Minister for Health Mary Harney in Dublin Mid-West. Among those who lost their seats were party leader Michael McDowell and former minister Liz O'Donnell.