Now that John Hume MP, MEP and leader of the SDLP has passed on being Northern Ireland's deputy first minister in favour of colleague Seamus Mallon, may he be Ireland's next EU commissioner when Pee Flynn's term ends in 18 months? Hume has all the right credentials - experience, standing, a European reputation, an all-Ireland background, languages, popularity, success, contacts, bipartisan support etc, etc. Most vitally, he comes with no dreaded byelection consequences for the Government. In addition, he says he wants to concentrate on European affairs and his long and dedicated service coupled with the esteem he is held in around the world, especially following the successful outcome of Northern peace process, would ensure a good portfolio.
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has the final call on the job, and a name will have to emerge within 12 months. A Hume appointment would tell the world about a new, all-inclusive Ireland. Hume turned down a nomination for Aras an Uachtarain nine months ago, which would probably have got cross-party support and avoided a contest, on the grounds that his job in the North wasn't finished. Things look different now.