Hsieh indicates he will run for Taipei mayorship for DPP

Former premier Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) yesterday softened his stance on running for the Taipei mayorship, saying that he "could not escape" taking responsibility for helping the party.

Although he did not officially announce his candidacy, his comments indicated that Hsieh will join the race, despite insisting earlier he would not.

"As long as procedural problems are solved and the entire DPP [Democratic Progressive Party] is united, I have no excuse to shun taking the responsibility of making the party more consolidated," Hsieh told reporters after attending the party's weekly Central Standing Committee yesterday afternoon.

Hsieh's comments came a day after DPP Legislator You Ching (尤清) was persuaded not to run in the election. You, who had before insisted on joining in the Taipei election, on Monday decided to withdraw after having a closed-door meeting with DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun.

Hsieh is considered the DPP's most promising candidate for the race.