Haider founds new Austrian party

[MaineDem]

Joerg Haider, the controversial former leader of Austria's right-wing Freedom Party, is to split from his old allies and head a new political party.

Mr Haider and his sister, party leader Ursula Haubner, have clashed with party activists over a sharp drop in support.

Mr Haider's new party, the Alliance for Austria's Future, will aim to re-engage lost voters, he said.

Freedom Party ministers in Austria's ruling coalition can join the new party and keep their jobs, Mr Haider said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4409953.stm

[fudge stripe cookays]

1. Well, when Bush's support

wanes among out traditional allies, I'm sure Haider would love to step in. They're cut from the same mold anyway.

FSC