By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter
Rep. Chough Soon-hyung of the Centrist United Democratic Party (CUDP) stressed the need for a coalition of liberal blocs but expressed objections to the pro-government Uri Party being a partner for the merger.
Declaring his presidential bid, Chough, 72, pledged to restore order in the nation, criticizing President Roh Moo-hyun for performing poorly.
``I had never dreamed of being a president during my 20-year career as a politician but I couldn't overlook the nation and the party at stake,'' Chough, nicknamed ``Mr. Outspoken,'' told reporters in Seoul.
He presented 10 campaign pledges focusing on reviving the economy and ensuring peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Chough, a six-term lawmaker, claimed that he will prepare a new growth engine for the economy by developing information technology (IT) and cultural industries.
He said he will encourage investment and ease regulations.
He also pledged to drive engagement policies toward North Korea to ensure peace on the peninsula, while consolidating the alliance with the United States.
Chough said he will restore the disturbed public order, insisting that Roh's intemperate speeches and arrogance agitated the nation.
As for the coalition of liberal groups under discussion, he took precautions against the Uri Party's participation.
``People would see the coalition as a successor of the Uri Party if the embattled party is allowed to join it. It will lead liberal blocs to defeat in the presidential race,'' he said.
He said the CUDP should lead the coalition.
According to polling agency RealMeter, Chough placed second in a poll of probable presidential candidates with 10.2 percent of support.
Former Gyeonggi Governor Sohn Hak-kyu with no party affiliation topped the survey with 35.3 percent.
Chough began his political career in 1981 when he was first elected to the National Assembly.
The once-largest Uri Party is trying to create a new party with liberal forces to defeat the main opposition Grand National Party (GNP) in the presidential election, but failed to narrow differences with Co-Chairman Park Sang-cheon of the CUDP.
Park has refused to join hands with some lawmakers who served as cabinet ministers under the incumbent administration and called for the dissolution of the Uri Party.
Leaders of the Uri Party rejected his argument, insisting he made an unreasonable demand.