1.   Major said holding local elections is the best immediate way to build confidence in the stalled peace process.

2.   The government claimed that the decision was a procedural one and that holding local elections in November would conflict with the elections for the DCC.

3.   But British officials dismissed the idea, saying holding elections for a new assembly in Northern Ireland is the most realistic way to get all parties into negotiations.

4.   John Hume, whose Social Democratic and Labor Party represents moderate nationalists, said holding elections here would be disastrous.

5.   New York could salvage the elective system by eliminating judicial nominating conventions and perhaps also by holding elections in smaller districts where minorities could elect more of their choices.

6.   Over the weekend, Bruton said holding elections so soon after the IRA bombing would be like pouring gas on a fire.

7.   The card check is considered quicker and easier than holding elections.

8.   The process is faster and less bureaucratic than holding elections.

9.   But he said there were others as well, including economic rehabilitation and holding municipal elections.