Niamh_Saoirse
Rock n' Roll Doggie FOB
08/02/04 00:00
By Paul T Colgan
The SDLP may approach Ali Hewson, wife of U2 frontman Bono, to run as its European candidate in the June elections.
The party is concerned that, if it fails to find a strong candidate to replace John Hume, who stood aside last week, Sinn F?in will win the seat. Mark Durkan's party has been advised in recent days to sound out the possibility of Hewson's candidacy. She is not a member of the party.
"They are looking for a Mary McAleese, Mary Robinson-type figure to run for Europe," said an informed source. "Ali has a strong track record on human rights and Bono has been pictured with Hume on various occasions in recent years."
A Hewson candidacy could provide the party with a much-needed boost on the election trail and would allow the SDLP to align itself with Bono, who is known to be a strong advocate of the party's policies. Hewson has been involved in highlighting opposition to the Sellafield nuclear plant and has raised significant sums for the victims of the Chernobyl disaster.
Bono famously joined Hume and Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble in calling for a `Yes' vote to the Good Friday Agreement.
The party is concerned about the dearth of political talent, which may force it to look "outside the box" for Hume's replacement. It is also worried that Sinn F?in candidate Baibre de Brun may only be a stalking horse. and that Sinn F?in president Gerry Adams may step into the electoral race if SDLP leader Mark Durkan decides to run.
"Adams would love to run against Durkan," said an SDLP source. "Sinn F?in will give Hume his Caesar-like week and then up the
ante. A straight head-to-head between Adams and Durkan could put the seal on the demise of the SDLP."
The party is not expected to nominate a candidate before its conference in two weeks' time. Candidates can announce that they are running up to six weeks before election day.
Several other SDLP figures have been linked to the candidacy in recent days. Former SDLP vicechairman Tom Kelly refused to confirm his interest in the position, while former SDLP treasurer and Newry businessman Gerard O'Hare is thought to be considering going forward.
Do you think she will be up for it? To be honest, I don?t think she will. Last time she was rumoured to be a candidate, she said she didn?t have time for a career in politics because having 4 children took up your whole time.
By Paul T Colgan
The SDLP may approach Ali Hewson, wife of U2 frontman Bono, to run as its European candidate in the June elections.
The party is concerned that, if it fails to find a strong candidate to replace John Hume, who stood aside last week, Sinn F?in will win the seat. Mark Durkan's party has been advised in recent days to sound out the possibility of Hewson's candidacy. She is not a member of the party.
"They are looking for a Mary McAleese, Mary Robinson-type figure to run for Europe," said an informed source. "Ali has a strong track record on human rights and Bono has been pictured with Hume on various occasions in recent years."
A Hewson candidacy could provide the party with a much-needed boost on the election trail and would allow the SDLP to align itself with Bono, who is known to be a strong advocate of the party's policies. Hewson has been involved in highlighting opposition to the Sellafield nuclear plant and has raised significant sums for the victims of the Chernobyl disaster.
Bono famously joined Hume and Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble in calling for a `Yes' vote to the Good Friday Agreement.
The party is concerned about the dearth of political talent, which may force it to look "outside the box" for Hume's replacement. It is also worried that Sinn F?in candidate Baibre de Brun may only be a stalking horse. and that Sinn F?in president Gerry Adams may step into the electoral race if SDLP leader Mark Durkan decides to run.
"Adams would love to run against Durkan," said an SDLP source. "Sinn F?in will give Hume his Caesar-like week and then up the
ante. A straight head-to-head between Adams and Durkan could put the seal on the demise of the SDLP."
The party is not expected to nominate a candidate before its conference in two weeks' time. Candidates can announce that they are running up to six weeks before election day.
Several other SDLP figures have been linked to the candidacy in recent days. Former SDLP vicechairman Tom Kelly refused to confirm his interest in the position, while former SDLP treasurer and Newry businessman Gerard O'Hare is thought to be considering going forward.
Do you think she will be up for it? To be honest, I don?t think she will. Last time she was rumoured to be a candidate, she said she didn?t have time for a career in politics because having 4 children took up your whole time.