Hume to lead SDLP into first forum session as SF stays outside

THE SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, is today due to lead his team of elected representatives into the Northern Ireland Forum. Sinn Fein, however, will be absent.

While the SDLP opposes any direct talks role for the forum it has no intention of snubbing the elected body, said the party's former chairman, Mr Mark Durkan, yesterday.

Mr Hume is due back from Westminster today in time for the 2 p.m. inaugural session. Most of the party's 21 representatives elected on May 30th are expected to join him in the forum, which is located at the Interpoint Centre, formerly the north Belfast Co-Op.

The SDLP envisages a role for the forum similar to that of the Dublin Forum for Peace and Reconciliation. "If the forum can be of any assistance in promoting a better atmosphere for dealing with the political problems, we will be there," Mr Durkan added.

"Equally, we will do everything to ensure that the negotiating process is protected," he said.

Sinn Fein, however, will remain outside the forum. Ms Dodie McGuinness, elected in the West Belfast constituency, said Sinn Fein would not be part of any attempt to "return to the days of unionist domination".

"We will not be attending the unionist forum and we believe that it can play no useful role in the search for a lasting peace," said Ms McGuinness, who was responsible for Sinn Fein's election campaign.

She added. "The stated purpose of the elections was to mandate the political parties for political negotiations. John Major said that once the elections were over the route to negotiations would be clear, direct and automatic."

Meanwhile, Mr John Gorman, the Ulster Unionist who will be the initial chairman of the forum today, has expressed willingness to be the overall chairman if selected by the forum members.

Mr Gorman, a former British army officer and leading Catholic member of the UUP, was designated by the Northern Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, to chair the opening session.

His stint in the chair may only last about 15 minutes, however. One of his first tasks will be to arrange for the election of an overall chairman.

Mr Gorman said he would be an impartial chairman if selected by his peers. He repeated the qualified admiration he recently expressed in an Irish Times interview for the Sinn Fein leader, Mr Gerry Adams.

"My admiration for Gerry Adams was really based on the fact that, as a former soldier, I believe in discipline, and the discipline which he was able to exercise over the IRA for 18 months was certainly a remarkable one. Would that he could continue to do that," said Mr Gorman.