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The one-time chairman of the opposition Grand National Party, Lee Hoi-chang, says categorically he ¡°won¡¯t discuss the matter¡± of the internal rifts in the GNP. His remarks, he says, ¡°would only invite needless misunderstanding." When Lee reiterated that he is retired from politics earlier this year, he said he wouldn¡¯t support any particular candidate, nor involve himself in the selection process. Though he didn't refuse to criticize the ruling camp, he did not want to touch on the opposition party¡¯s woes. But when asked "Isn't the GNP breaking up?" he warmed to the topic all the same.
Following its by-election defeat, there are serious rifts within the GNP.
The presidential contenders in competition over the party leadership are attempting to push through their respective extreme agendas. That¡¯s why they have caused public concerns about a possible break-up of the party.
Do you mean that the rival presidential contenders intend to win in the presidential primary and seize party leadership at the same time?
Don¡¯t they? They shouldn¡¯t be absorbed in party leadership competition. If they are, they¡¯ll lose the presidential election.
Do you mean you hold the presidential contenders responsible?
What I mean is that the presidential contenders are important. (Former Seoul mayor Lee Myung-bak and ex-party chairwoman Park Geun-hye) should pledge a competition of mutual survival and goodwill in the run-up to and in the presidential primary lest the party break up, whether the party system changes or not. And I want to see the two meet and smile. That kind of scene would ease public concerns.
Which of the two, do you think, is more responsible?
In my position now, I can't say who¡¯s more at fault. At any rate, it¡¯s up to the two contenders to ensure that the party is neither split up nor exhausted."
Many predict the two rival contenders will split at the end, as was the case with the last presidential primary.
There could be a learning effect. Given a great deal of reflection that we must be more cautious this time around on account of the precedent, there's no need to be pessimistic that the situation will recur. We must harbor the confidence that we can manage to prevent a recurrence."
There¡¯s controversy whether to keep chairman Kang Jae-sup ...
I can't say anything definite on that. I can't say which direction the party should go. But whichever direction it may go, it should remember that it mustn¡¯t break up. The rifts should be settled in a way that is conducive to party unity."
What are the reasons for the GNP's crippling by-election defeat?
Bickering and mudslinging within the party are absolutely negative. Once you¡¯re enveloped in that sort of atmosphere, you tend to forget what outsiders feel and think. But scenes of politicians at each others' throats are what the citizens hate the most. This can¡¯t go on.
Some party members reportedly suggest that you should chair an emergency committee.
That¡¯s nothing but talk by people who are fond of talking.
The former Gyeonggi provincial governor Sohn Hak-kyu said Tuesday in Gwangju that you were defeated in the last presidential election because you ¡°failed to read the spirit of the times."
(Long pause) I see people change what they say to suit the occasion.
Following former prime minister Goh Kun, ex-Seoul National University president Chung Un-chan has given up on the race for president.
He must have found the political arena treacherous. (Laughs) Observed quietly, the political arena has an interesting aspect, too. They enter it but fall away, while some who stick to it move from one party to another.
Some people still feel you should run in the presidential election...
Let's not talk about that.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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