The resignation from the PDs of Mr Dick Sadlier in Limerick is a matter for the councillor himself and not one which will greatly exercise the Progressive Democrats, the party leader, Ms Mary Harney, has said.
Speaking at a news conference in Cork yesterday, Ms Harney said she was a strong advocate of choice and that the PDs were a liberal-minded party with a distinctive philosophy - and one that had been good for the Irish people in the past.
"We have brought a distinctive flavour to bear on government in this country over the years and we believe this has been good for the people," she said.
The Tanaiste said she was somewhat perplexed by Mr Sadlier's decision, given that he had been one of the strongest opponents of any voting pact with Fianna Fail during the by-election in Limerick in March following the death of Mr Jim Kemmy.
"I don't understand someone who has such a different approach within three months," she said.
Mr Sadlier suggested earlier in the week that the PDs and Fianna Fail should get together to discuss the possibility of a merger. He said his proposal was being made because it was his understanding that a number of PD councillors throughout the State were of a similar opinion.
The proposal, which appeared in the Limerick Leader, was immediately rebutted by the former leader of the party, Mr Des O'Malley. Mr Sadlier saw the rebuttal as an arrogant response and he therefore resigned, although he had been one of the founding members of the Progressive Democrats.
Ms Harney said in Cork yesterday that her views about merging with Fianna Fail were well known and that she had no intention of doing so. On the other hand, she said that a debate within the Progressive Democrats on the issue would not be a problem.
Her belief, though, was that because of its unique contribution to Irish politics, the Progressive Democrats would retain its own identity.