The Progressive Democrat TD for Galway West, Noel Grealish, has said new party leader Ciaran Cannon has a tough challenge ahead of him.
Mr Grealish said Senator Cannon's goal to secure 35-plus local authority seats would be difficult in a hard-fought campaign, but he was confident the new leader was up to the job and he hoped he would be successful.
Speaking to RTÉ News in Claregalway last night, Mr Grealish also revealed that Fianna Fáil was still encouraging him to join the organisation.
Mr Grealish said that since he joined the PDs in 1985, he had been courted by Fianna Fáil and that was still going on.
He said he would never close any doors, leaving all options open and all options on the table.
When asked if Fianna Fáil was making any inroads in its effort to attract him into the party, Mr Grealish said: 'Sin scéal for lá eile.'
