Hume offers voters choice between real leadership and sectarianism

THE Northern electorate had to decide between real leadership, real peace and real representation or "no leadership" and a vacuum of sectarianism and violence, the SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, said when introducing his party's manifesto.

At the unveiling of the 20 page manifesto in Belfast yesterday, Mr Hume concentrated on trying to ensure that a substantial majority of the nationalist vote went to the SDLP rather than Sinn Fein.

"A vote for Sinn Fein in the present circumstances is a vote for IRA violence. The SDLP will not ask its voters to support an electoral pact with a party which refuses to ask its military wing to declare a ceasefire," he added.

Mr Hume said that this election more than any other was about choice. "There are three choices, sectarianism and bigotry, violence and the killings of human beings, and total and absolute non violence and peace."

On the electoral threat from Sinn Fein, Mr Hume said that people had supported Sinn Fein in the Forum election because they believed that might assist the peace process. But these same people were now telling him they would support the SDLP in this election, because their support had been disregarded with the continuing IRA violence.

On the crucial three way battle in Mid Ulster where the SDLP's Mr Denis Haughey is competing against Mr Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein and the sitting DUP MP, the Rev William McCrea, he said voters should support the SDLP which did not endorse violence, or bigotry.

"Look at the choice in Mid Ulster sectarianism and bigotry for which the DUP stands. Violence and the killing of human beings for which Sinn Fein stands. Total and absolute opposition to violence and total support and respect for both sections of our community for which the SDLP stands.

"I have no doubt where the sensible people of Mid Ulster will stand in this election," said Mr Hume.

The manifesto re emphasises the party's commitment to an inclusive negotiated political agreement based on the three sets of relationships affecting Britain and Ireland.

"In this election we seek a strong mandate to continue the talks process and to commit all our energies to achieving lasting peace and stability based on an agreement that has the loyalty of both sections of our community," said Mr Hume.

The SDLP rejected the unionist principle of majoritarianism, he said. "Instead, we propose the principle of partnership as the only means to focus the energy of our divided people to build a lasting future."

The SDLP is campaigning on the slogan, Real Leadership - Real Peace. It also launched a billboard campaign yesterday which shows three empty pint glass representing sectarianism, violence and intransigence and standing in a pool of blood. The caption reads "We Don't Want Another Round".

The manifesto also focuses on social and economic issues. It addresses issues such as a new police service, parades, human rights, women's issues, housing, education and fair employment.