Lu distances self from new book

Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) yesterday denied there had been any discussion between her and President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) about about the next presidential election or her interest in a possible DPP vice-chairmanship.

"Although I am a loyal DPP member and care much about the party's well-being, I have never waded into party affairs with the president, including the subject of vacant party vice-chairmanships," Lu told reporters.

Lu was responding to questions about a new book, authored by news commentator and close Lu advisor Hu Chung-hsin (胡忠信), which claims that Chen has tentatively decided to pick her as his 2004 running mate.

The book is entitled A Critique of the Modern Prince: To President Chen Shui-bian (現代君王論: 給總統陳水扁). The prince in the title is a reference to The Prince, the classic book on statecraft penned by Nicolo Machiavelli in 1505.

Hu also authored Chen's autobiography, Son of Taiwan (台灣之子).

The book also states that Chen is considering Lu for one of the party's three vice chairmanships -- posts that all need to be filled.

Citing anonymous sources, the book reports as proof of improved relations between Chen and Lu that in March, Chen is said to have promised the vice president that she would be his running mate in the next presidential race.

"I haven't read the book and have no knowledge of its contents," Lu said.

Lu made the comments while accompanying Paraguayan President Luis Angel Gonzalez Macchi on a visit to Kinmen island.

Many believe that the book is part of a well-orchestrated media campaign by Lu supporters to promote the vice president.

"Whatever is in it, the book has nothing to do with me," she added.

Lu recalled that her relations with Chen, after victory in the 2000 presidential election, had been "eventful," after a magazine alleged that she had been spreading a rumors about Chen.

"But I've won that libel suit, which proved my innocence," Lu said.

Saying that while it is still rather early to talk about the 2004 election, Lu said she believes Chen would want to pick a partner who is popular with the public and can help boost his chances of another win.

"Since Chen has never discussed the matter with me, any speculation regarding such a conversation are simply untrue," Lu insisted.

Lu added that if she is indeed invited by Chen to team up with him for the 2004 presidential election, she would do her best to win the re-election.

"And if Taiwan no longer needs me," she said. "I would not hesitate to retire from politics."