Mr John Hume says he has given no deep thought to the idea of running for the Presidency and has made no decision about whether he should run. Speaking on his return from a weekend visit to the Western Isles of Scotland with his wife, Patricia, the SDLP leader last night seemed surprised at reports that he was "seriously considering" running for the Presidency. He denied that he had given such an indication.
He said: "I am aware of all the speculation about this matter. But I have taken no decision of any description. Indeed, I have not given it deep thought because I have been very preoccupied and busy with my present task. Indeed, I have not discussed it with a single party colleague."
He said he did not wish to comment any further.
Mr Hume said he had not seen reports in the Sunday Tribune or heard of the report in Monday's New York Times which stated that he was "seriously considering" running for the Presidency.
Mr Hume met the New York Times Irish correspondent, James Clarity, at a social gathering organised by the US ambassador, Mrs Jean Kennedy Smith, in Dublin 10 days ago. Mrs Kennedy Smith's brother, Senator Edward Kennedy, also attended the function.
A report appeared in the Sun- day Tribune last weekend saying Mr Hume had signalled to senior figures in Fianna Fail and Fine Gael that he would "give serious consideration to standing as a presidential candidate". The Sun- day Tribune said Mr Hume had communicated his interest to senior figures in both political parties.
Mr Hume said last night he did not speak to the Sunday Tribune but learned on his return to Derry last night that the newspaper had been trying to contact him. It appears that the report in the Sunday Tribune prompted the New York Times to carry its report on Monday. This report was then repeated on news wire services.
Mr Hume, who has been leader of the SDLP since 1979, has played a pivotal role in nationalist politics for the past 25 years.
It is understood that Fine Gael would almost certainly back him if he decided to put himself forward as a candidate, but the position of the other political parties remains unclear as yet.
Mr Hume said he had not seen any Irish newspapers since leaving for a weekend break with his wife and two friends, visiting Iona and Mull in the west of Scotland. They arrived home by ferry into Ballycastle, Co Antrim, last evening to be confronted with the reports that he is considering running for the Presidency.
His first reaction was to say he was "amazed" and that he knew nothing about the reports.