THE SDLP deputy leader, Mr Seamus Mallon, has said that the forthcoming Westminster election offers nationalists an important choice about who would lead them into the next century. They would effectively be deciding between constitutional politics and violence, he said.
Mr Mallon was speaking as his party announced its 18 candidates for the election, which many observers think will be held on May 1st. The SDLP is contesting every constituency in the North.
It is believed that this decision was taken to maximise the SDLP vote vis a vis Sinn Fein's. Mr Mallon predicted that it would be a "tough election", as it was the last chance for people to decide who would represent them in resolving the North's problems.
Speaking as the funeral took place in England of Stephen Restorick, the British soldier killed by the IRA in south Armagh, Mr Mallon said: "There are going to be no luxuries in this election.
"It is going to be a choice between constitutional - nationalism - which is based on peace and which is based on the peaceful political process - and the type of violence which we have seen."
The party leader, Mr John Hume, believed it would perform well. "We are very, very confident of a solid vote," he said.
But he refused to speculate on how his party's vote would compare with Sinn Fein's or on the implications for Northern politics of an increase in Sinn Fein support.
SDLP sources have expressed concern that Stun Fein could win West Belfast, Mid Ulster and perhaps even West Tyrone. Mr Hume would not be drawn on that prospect.
The SDLP is contesting every Westminster seat for the first time in 14 years. "It is very, very crucial we give everyone in Northern Ireland the opportunity of coming out strongly behind our point of view," Mr Hume said.
In the 1992 Westminster election it did not contest four constituencies - Strangford, North Down, East Antrim and East Belfast.
Mr Hume did not rule out discussions with Sinn Fein about an electoral pact if the IRA called another ceasefire. He said he was working hard for a new ceasefire and was "hopeful". However, he said there could be a political settlement without Sinn Fein.
Meanwhile, at his party's press conference in Belfast yesterday, the Sinn Fein vice president, Mr Pat Doherty, rejected the idea of any settlement which excluded his party.
"Whatever way forward emerges, it has to be one that includes everybody. Otherwise, there will be nob success at the end of the road," he said.
Mr Doher said it was up to the British Prime Minister to make the first move. If Mr John Major offered inclusion in talks, "we could, with credibility, and with some hope of success, seek to persuade the IRA to unequivocally restore its cessation."
He predicted that Sinn Fein would win West Belfast, Mid Ulster and West Tyrone. Despite the ending of the IRA ceasefire, he claimed not to "see any negative reaction to us.