The SDLP leader, Mr Mark Durkan, is considering standing for Europe after Mr John Hume announced yesterday he is to retire from public life due to ill-health.
As expected, Mr Hume told a press conference in Belfast yesterday he would not seek re-election to the European Parliament in June.
However, he also announced he will not defend his Foyle seat at Westminster at the next British general election.
His decision presents further difficulties for the SDLP following a bruising Assembly election last November and a crucial party conference to be held in just over two weeks at which it is hoped a candidate can be named.
Senior members of the party, which is still reeling after being eclipsed by Sinn Féin last November, now have just days to decide on a replacement for Mr Hume at European level.
Mr Durkan may seek a Strasbourg or Westminster nomination to consolidate his leadership and to counter an expected strong Sinn Féin challenge, but current EU rules prohibit him from holding a dual mandate. Sinn Féin last night insisted its European candidate, Ms Bairbre de Brún, would not be replaced by Mr Gerry Adams despite rumours that republicans would relish a face-to-face contest between the leaders of the two parties.
A trusted Sinn Féin source said Ms de Brún will remain the candidate.
The party would not change its mind despite the decisions of the Rev Ian Paisley and Mr Hume not to run, although it was admitted the June election is now "more open".
At least three other senior SDLP figures have privately expressed an interest to The Irish Times in the European nomination and there is also speculation that the Belfast Lord Mayor, Mr Martin Morgan, may be an early favourite. Mr Denis Haughey, Mr Hume's aide in Brussels, is also mentioned.
Mr Hume's decision not to seek re-election to Strasbourg was signalled on Tuesday night. However, the announcement to retire fully from representative politics was not expected.
In a short statement to reporters at an emotional press conference in Belfast, Mr Hume made what he called "a very regrettable announcement".
Accompanied by his wife, Pat, Mr Mark Durkan, and Mr Seamus Mallon, he cited medical advice and said: "I will not be standing again for the European Parliament. I regret this very much since it is a position that I have very much valued." Asked what he would miss most about Strasbourg, he replied: "Being there and working there".
He added: "Europe is the best example in the history of the world of conflict resolution." He thanked the electorate and his party colleagues.
Referring to attempts to restore devolution and the Stormont institutions, he said: "It is the duty of all true democrats to uphold the will of the people and implement all of the agreement." Referring to the IRA campaign, he said: "As I said repeatedly over 30 years, it is the people that are divided not the territory. When people are divided what do guns and bombs do? Deepen the division and make the problem more difficult."
Mr Hume joked about his "single transferable speech" and his tendency to say the same thing often over 30 years.
He said his high point as an elected representative came with the endorsement of the Belfast Agreement in joint referendums in 1998. He concluded with what he said were the core values of the SDLP: "We are in politics to solve problems, not to win victories." Tributes were led by the President, Mrs McAleese. She said: "John Hume has made an immeasurable contribution to local, national and international politics. He has been a leader in the true sense of the word."
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, praised his contribution as did the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, and the Labour leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte. Former US president Bill Clinton and Mr Pat Cox, the President of the European Parliament wished him well.
Mr Durkan said: "His record of public service epitomises the democratic ethic."