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Governing is the priority, not 2008 election, Lu says

Vice President Annette Lu smiles as she leaves a meeting with leaders of professional women's groups at the Taipei Guest House yesterday. PHOTO: CHU PEI-HSIUNG, TAIPEI TIMES

The 2008 presidential election should not be a focus of discussion at the moment, as developing practical policies to rule the nation is the priority, Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) said yesterday.

Lu, who was elected the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) acting chairperson on Wednesday, remained mum yesterday on questions from the media concerning whether she would run for the post of chairwoman and her strategies regarding the next presidential election in 2008.

"The media has talked too much about the 2008 presidential election and that has had a negative impact on Taiwan's development. We've just been through local elections. It's time to put more effort into ruling the country," Lu said.

Lu said that she was surprised to have been elected the DPP's acting chairperson, adding that "it's no big deal."

She said that she was still thinking about effective strategies to reform the party. Lu's appointment as acting DPP chair has been interpreted by party members both positively and negatively, while its uncertain whether she is interested in becoming a candidate for the position in the election next month.

Yesterday, she avoided answering reporters' questions regarding the election.

Meeting with women leaders, however, she mentioned the position and praised the achievements of the DPP's female candidates in last Saturday's elections.

"The word "chairperson" was created long after the word "chairman." In the past, such a position was reserved for males only. But now we can see the strong performance of outstanding female professionals in diverse fields," Lu said as she met with heads of professional women's groups at the Taipei Guest House.

Lu said that for Taiwan, which faces diplomatic difficulties, the female leaders of Taiwanese branches of international NGOs were a bridge between the country and the rest of the world.

Lu said that, in the just-concluded three-in-one elections, the space for female politicians remains limited. She said that out of 68 men and nine women running for local government chief posts, 21 males and two females were elected. Lu added that the strong performance of DPP women in elections for county councilors deserved to be highlighted.

Seventy-six percent of female DPP candidates for local councilors were elected.

Lu said the relation between female political figures and parties would get closer because, in June, the Constitution might be revised for the sake of legislative reform.

"New rules will ensure females make up half of the nominations for legislators-at-large," Lu said.

Lu added that politics matter to everyone and outstanding females have the potential to make history.
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