FF 'too occupied to contest Stormont poll'

Bertie Ahern’s Fianna Fail party has enough on its plate than to contest elections in Northern Ireland, the opposition leader insisted today.

As he took part in a series of meetings in Stormont with Northern Ireland politicians, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny dismissed speculation that Fianna Fail may enter the political fray north of border or merge with the nationalist SDLP in the province.

He told PA News: “SDLP leader Mark Durkan referred during a meeting we held last night to an Eamonn de Valera cumann which had been formed in his constituency but that is really about the greater picture of all-Ireland unity in its broadest sense.

“We made the point to him that Fine Gael has the youngest age structure of any party in the Dail now and there is an energy and willingness to involve ourselves in the Northern Ireland process for the benefit of everybody, taking into account people’s consent and understanding.

“The conclusion of that discussion was that if Fianna Fail were to run candidates in Northern Ireland it would further shred the nationalist vote.

“However, I think Fianna Fail have probably enough on their plate dealing with Fine Gael in the south, never mind trying to take over the entire country.”

Speculation that Fianna Fail may organise on a 32-county basis has refused to go away despite SDLP suggestions that the party could shred the nationalist vote if it contests elections.

Northern Ireland Policing Board member and SDLP activist Tom Kelly argued in The Observer last weekend that Fianna Fail would be the natural home for his party in the event of a political realignment throughout Ireland.

However Mr Durkan has described the notion of Fianna Fail contesting the Assembly elections in May as fanciful and insisted his party would not be a “casualty” of any realignment but “a catalyst.”

Last year, Fianna Fail’s conference called on the party to organise in Northern Ireland.

Over Christmas, Mr Ahern further fuelled speculation of a Fianna Fail move into Northern Ireland when he told a newspaper that his party would have to consider its role on both sides of the border.

He told the Sunday Business Post since the Good Friday Agreement “the context and the dynamic of politics on this island have changed” and Fianna Fail might have to consider becoming a 32-county party.

Currently Sinn Fein is the only party to contest elections on a north-south basis.

The SDLP has formal links with the Labour Party through the Party of European Socialists.

Labour has recently allowed people in Northern Ireland to join its ranks but has stated it will not contest elections in the province.

During a visit to Belfast last week, Labour leader Pat Rabitte dismissed speculation about Fianna Fail moving northwards.

“I think the Taoiseach was off on a frolic for whatever reason maybe connected to the time of year,” Mr Rabitte commented.

“I don’t think it is realistic or helpful in the present environment.”

The Fine Gael delegation of five TDs and three Senators today met Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble, Sinn Fein vice president Pat Doherty and Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy at Stormont.

Their discussions focused on efforts to revive devolution in the province.