The Progressive Democrats appointed a former Army organiser, and have set a target of 15 seats for the next general election.
Capt Garvan McGinley (39) from Milford, Co Donegal, has 20 years military service, most recently at Army headquarters in Dublin.
The Progressive Democrats have joined Fianna Fail and the Labour Party in announcing what is effectively the start of the next general election campaign. The PD leader, Ms Harney, yesterday ruled out a preelection alliance with any other party, but suggested that her party is "well placed to take out Labour as the possible junior partner in the next Government".
The party's research suggested that the Progressive Democrats, with eight Dail seats, could double the number of seats nationally, she said.
