IRA members are being asked to stand as Sinn Fein candidates in the forthcoming elections in the North in an attempt to counter disillusionment with the peace process, according to republican sources.
One source said senior republicans had asked several IRA members in west Belfast to contest the May 30th poll amid growing fears that Sinn Fein's support could decline among militant republicans.
"They want candidates with a strong `army' (IRA) background" said the source. "That would signify to the republican base that entering the elections is no sellout and has the blessing of the IRA. A lot of people who have no enthusiasm for the election would then feel under tremendous pressure to canvass and get involved.
It's a very clever move.
Another source said Sinn Fein was keen to run high profile former prisoners. "I know at least two who have been approached to run in the elections", he said.
A decision to run former prisoners would put the highly emotive prisoner issue firmly on Sinn Fein's agenda and send out a strong message that the prisoners, an integral part of the republican movement, had faith in the leadership.
It is not known whether the efforts to convince IRA activists and former prisoners to contest the election have been successful. But the source said many activists who had been approached were reluctant to get involved.
"They are just not the sort of people who stand for elections. They wouldn't enjoy going around knocking doors, introducing themselves to voters or making speeches. It's not their thing at all," he said.
There is considerable apathy about the elections among republican activists and supporters. "It will be difficult convincing people to vote, let alone canvass," said one Sinn Fein member.
Sinn Fein leaders have recognised the mood in working class nationalist areas and are attempting to combat it. At the hunger strike march in west Belfast last Sunday, Mr Martin McGuinness appealed to people to work hard during the elections.