Limerick-born Liz O’Donnell is the new deputy leader of the Progressive Democrats, following the elevation of Michael McDowell to party leader and Tanaiste.

Ms O’Donnell, a lawyer based in Dublin, is originally from Caherdavin, and her father John O’Donnell, a former Irish athletics champion, was one of the founder members of the Community Games in Limerick.

Last weekend, Mary Harney, married to Limerickman Brian Geoghegan, took the political world by storm when she announced that she was standing down as party leader.

It was originally suggested that Ms O’Donnell and Tom Parlon would contest with Mr McDowell for the position, but a pact was reached whereby McDowell was declared the unanimous choice.

Des O’Malley, founder of the Progressive Democrats, was present at the Weslin Hotel when it was announced that McDowell was the preferred choice as leader.