The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, has said that she would welcome any further competition in the political arena. The leader of the PDs was responding to the proposed formation of a new political party.
"I welcome competition in all areas. It is good for politics, and good for the economy. Diversity is the essence of democracy. It is a fairly competitive market place," she said, adding "it's not certain that it's going to happen anyway."
A Dublin barrister, Mr Colm MacEochaidh, is behind the new party which intends to run candidates in 15 constituencies on a broad platform including anti-corruption.
