Ma visiting DPP areas in second `long stay'

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday publicized details of plans for his second "long stay," which would include visits to areas considered to be traditional strongholds of the Democratic Progressive Party.

Ma's campaign said he would start his trip tomorrow and spend a total of 18 days visiting Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan.

Wang Yu-chi (王郁琦), a campaign spokesman, said Ma would stay at the homes of farmers and fishermen and take the opportunity to address some 20 issues concerning people's livelihoods.

"We would like to learn and experience [the lives of farmers and fishermen] during the trip. [We] hope to help people in Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan better understand Ma Ying-jeou and help Ma Ying-jeou better understand them," Ma told reporters during a "tea chat."

Ma said he and his running mate, former premier Vincent Siew (蕭萬長), would focus on addressing people's economic concerns in their presidential campaign.

"Since we would like to prioritize people's livelihood, we have to gain a detailed understanding of [their] life and means of livelihood ... This is our primary goal," he said, adding that he would also propose solutions to problems facing people in these areas.

One of Ma's stops is Guantien Township (官田) in Tainan County -- the hometown of President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁).

Ma dismissed media speculation that he deliberately included Guantien in his plan.

He added that he would stick to his "long stay" schedule even if the verdict on the first trial of misusing special mayoral funds -- which is expected to be handed down next Tuesday -- is unfavorable.