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SDLP says FF merger 'may ripen' Fianna Fail 'will organise in NI'
(about 4 hours later)
The SDLP has refused to rule out a possible merger with Fianna Fail. Fianna Fail are to organise in Northern Ireland, Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern has confirmed.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is later expected to outline plans for his party to organise in Northern Ireland. It is the first time in the party's 81-year history that efforts have been made to mobilise on an all-Ireland basis.
It has been speculated that this could ultimately lead to a merger with the SDLP, which is led by Foyle MP Mark Durkan. Mr Ahern said Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern would chair a committee to implement the move.
"This moves reflects the dramatic changes we have seen across the island," the party leader said.
Dermot Ahern said the party did not intend to contest any seats in a Westminster election.
"We wouldn't be interested in going to the House of Commons as a political party. That is for others to do," he said.
"We feel we should have representation in Northern Ireland as a political party."
Earlier on Monday, the SDLP refused to rule out a possible merger with Fianna Fail.
"The SDLP will be ready for the challenge or opportunity of such a future adjustment when it ripens," said a spokeswoman."The SDLP will be ready for the challenge or opportunity of such a future adjustment when it ripens," said a spokeswoman.
Commentators have said that Fianna Fail's plans to organise in Northern Ireland have been spurred on the setting up of a powering-sharing executive at Stormont, making such a move less politically sensitive. Commentators have said that Fianna Fail's plans to organise in Northern Ireland have been spurred on by the setting up of a powering-sharing executive at Stormont, making such a move less politically sensitive.
It has also been suggested that its success against Sinn Fein in the Republic's recent election played a part.It has also been suggested that its success against Sinn Fein in the Republic's recent election played a part.