Restless DPP ponders its place in the middle

The party is divided on how best to restore its vitality, though agreeing to the need for reform.

Pessimists vs Optimists

Pessimistic members such as Lin Chong-mo (林重謨) and Trong Tsai (蔡同榮) suggest abandonment of the party's so-called middle-of-the-road policy, saying it is a euphemism for ambiguity.

"Though controversial, all TSU proposals have been able to strike sympathy with a sizable number of people," Lin said. "The phenomenon suggests the DPP should adhere to its founding platform in addressing such thorny issues as cross-strait ties."

Like the TSU, Lin and his allies frown on the government's planned approval for the high-tech sector to set up eight-inch water plants in China.

"It seems to me that former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) demonstrates more resolve and prowess than Chen when dealing with Beijing," Lin added, predicting that the TSU may attract supporters from his party.

Fellow lawmaker Hong Chi-chang (洪奇昌) dismissed the apprehension as unwarranted.

"It takes a long time to judge a party's worth," Hong said.

"The fact that we do not dance to its [the TSU's] tune bespeaks where we stand."

He recommended a laissez-faire approach to the TSU challenge, saying he understood the young party needs the spotlight to assert its existence.

In a similar vein, Ker said that ties between the DPP and the TSU feature both competition and cooperation.

He threw his support behind the centrist tilt, believing that voters gained will more than compensate for any supporters who are lost.