Fianna Fail will take steps towards organising in the North after May's
Westminster election, according to several SDLP sources.
They predict the two parties will merge in an attempt to challenge the rise
of Sinn Féin on both sides of the Border.
Fianna Fail has confirmed to Village that the Northern Ireland committee of
its national executive is investigating the issue of organising and
contesting elections in the North.
The committee's report will take several months to complete and will then
be discussed by the national executive. "There have been many expressions of
interest from persons in the North for Fianna Fail to establish there," a
party spokesman said.
"Fianna Fail is encouraged by this level of interest. The party will
evaluate the matter. Like all political parties, Fianna Fail closely watches
developments in the North and will make a decision on whether or not to
organize in the North based on the latest political dynamic North and
South."
Sources said Conor and Brian Lenihan are among those keen on seizing the
initiative quickly. The Taoiseach favours a more cautious approach.
The Fianna Fail spokesman said a motion was passed at the 1999 ard fheis
urging the party to organise in the North but implementation was left to the
national executive.
A recent rule change allowed for individuals in the North to join the party
but a cumann could still be set up only in a Dail constituency, he said.
However, an unofficial cumann with 100 members already exists in Derry and
has been in contact with party headquarters. It's chaired by former SDLP
director of elections in Derry, Kevin Downey. Fianna Fail is currently
processing hundreds of membership applications from elsewhere in the North.
The Fianna Fail spokesman paid warm tribute to the SDLP but said no talks
had taken place with the party about a merger or Fianna Fail moving North.
The Taoiseach is keen to show due respect to SDLP leader, Mark Durkan. A
section of the SDLP, particularly those who see themselves as genuinely
left-wing, want the party to maintain its independence or else merge with
Labour.
However, sources said an internal survey showed around 70 per cent of the
party identified with Fianna Fail. They stated the SDLP was "social
democratic in name only".
"Getting together with Fianna Fail is inevitable," said an SDLP insider. "It
will be more of a Fianna Fail take-over than a merger but Fianna Fail
doesn't want to be seen as acting in a hostile manner.
"It recognises that although our vote has fallen dramatically during the
peace process, it's important to preserve the existing SDLP structures and
fundraising base. The whole thing must be done harmoniously."
Some Fianna Failers believe organising in the North is too risky - "it could
well backfire if we're hammered by Sinn Féin", one said.
But others argue that taking on Sinn Féin in the North is the only way of
fighting the party in the Republic, and it would be very popular in Southern
border counties.
An SDLP source added: "The growing confidence of the Catholic community in
the North means an all-Ireland, not a six-county, party is the way forward."
Another SDLP source said the position of those who oppose a merger would be
weakened after the Westminster election.
The SDLP could possibly win only one seat - South Down. It is set to lose
Newry and Armagh to Sinn Féin and party leader, Mark Durkan, is facing a
tough battle against Sinn Féin chairman Mitchel McLaughlin in Foyle.
"The meltdown in May will show there is not other option for us but Fianna
Fail," said an SDLP proponent.
