The DPP presidential hopeful Hsu Hsin-liang may have fallen behind both of his primary competitors, but in the eyes of fellow democratic pioneer, Shih Ming-teh, Hsu is much more qualified to be the next national leader than the other two younger contenders. And in a recent meeting between the two former DPP chairmen, Shih showed no reservation in giving his support for Hsu's presidential bid.

Hsu Hsin-liang's bid for the DPP's presidential nomination has the support of Shih Ming-teh.

On Thursday, Shih blasted the DPP's two other presidential candidates, Tsai Ing-wen and Su Tseng-chang, for their lack of leadership and said that only Hsu has the makings of a true leader.

According to Shih, Tsai has the bearing of an aide despite her political experience, while Su has the bearing of only a mayor or minister.

Shih believes three requirements must be met in order for the DPP to win the 2012 presidential election: the party's candidate must advance transitional justice, admit to the party's rampant corruption, and have a clear-cut cross-strait blueprint.

While Shih has declined to answer questions on whether he plans to run as an independent candidate, Hsu lauded Shih as an ideal non-partisan candidate.

Shih wished Hsu luck in the DPP's remaining two policy sessions, and said that Hsu's defined cross-strait policies would hopefully force Su and Tsai to clarify their stances.