Minister for Health Mary Harney has assumed the leadership of the Progressive Democrats once again after the party's election meltdown on Thursday.
Ms Harney, who only left the position a short time ago, has been asked by the party's chairman Peter Wyer to take on the role, according to a party statement.
"Given the present circumstances, the Chairman of the Progressive Democrats Peter Wyer has asked the Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney to assume the functions and responsibilities of Party Leader until the formation of the next government," the statement said.
Tánaiste Michael McDowell stepped down from the leadership and left politics after he lost his Dublin South East seat in Thursday's election. The party's deputy leader, Liz O'Donnell, lost her seat in Dublin South while party president Tom Parlon also lost out in Laois/Offaly. Fiona O'Malley in Dun Laoghaire, Tim O'Malley in Limerick and Mae Sexton in Meath also lost their seats.
Ms Harney and Galway West TD Noel Grealish are the only remaining representatives of the party in the Dáil.
However, Ms Harney may have an important role to play in the next government, with her party, along with a number of independent TDS, seen as a likely coalition option for Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Any such deal would allow Ms Harney to continue in her role as Minister for Health.
