Far right plan ‘Day of Action’ Claims of 'recruitment process' getting underway in Larne.

Larne Gazette


THE FAR right has taken another step forward in its ongoing campaign to establish structures, and recruit members, in Larne and across Northern Ireland, it has been claimed.
Last Friday afternoon saw British National Party (BNP) members allegedly meeting in a Larne public house to discuss a forthcoming 'Day of Action' and what was termed 'table talk democracy.'
The so-called 'Day of Action', it is claimed, is planned to take place on a Saturday within a couple of weeks' time.
Those taking part in the event, which it has been suggested will be staged in Larne Town Centre, are to carry out leafleting and distribution of newspapers.
As readers of the Larne Gazette are aware, this will not be the first such handing out of leaflets, or other forms of party activity, in Larne.
A source told us that the party feels the need to become actively involved in local recruiting and propaganda as "they will never get anywhere in Larne unless they get further support."
It was recently reported to the Larne Gazette, by a source, that the party has an estimated "dozen or so" members in the Borough.
Friday's meeting, which is was claimed was held at 1pm that day, saw party members and supporters being invited to an "informal" gathering.
The BNP's regional organiser, local organiser and "a few others" were to attend in order to "have a drink and talk about things."
As stated, the proposed 'Day of Action' was one of the main issues on the agenda.
And, despite reports to the contrary, it has been claimed the party still wants to put up a political candidate for election in Larne, a goal the recruiting drive is designed to make possible.
“That's the way they are going to get support and see where they go from here," a source told us.
Of course, the British National Party has already made an appearance in Larne.
Party held a meeting
As reported in a pre-Christmas edition of the Larne Gazette, the party held a meeting, attended by around 40 people, in a local social club. The 4th of December meeting also saw a Larne BNP organiser present along with other members from the town.
They were joined by other members, and supporters from across the province, and were addressed by two guest speakers who had come over from England for the occasion.
Speeches dealt with topics such as immigration, recent BNP electoral successes in England, the Muslim 'threat', a perceived need to preserve 'Britishness', the 'subordinate' role women ought to occupy and the British people's supposed need for 'living space.'
As has been pointed out by different commentators, the latter phrase chillingly echoes demands for 'lebensraum' in Nazi Germany.
It is claimed the December meeting also saw cracking of racist jokes, a successful collection and a reception for the above speeches which was described as "rapturous."
And, as previously stated, this meeting involved discussion of the "recruitment process" which appears to be moving forward apace in this New Year.
December's gathering, it was later announced on the BNP's website, also saw appointment of a South-East Antrim organiser.
Furthermore, this meeting itself was billed as one of a number of forthcoming events, events which were to be staged in Larne and other areas of the province.
Obviously, the supposed 'Day of Action' fits into this planned programme.
Nor are meetings the only manifestation of BNP activity in the Larne area.
Last September a leafleting campaign was undertaken within the Craigyhill district, approximately 2,000 leaflets being distributed in the estate, a campaign which party organisers are seemingly intent upon extending to other areas of Larne.
Cause for much local heartsearching
Why Larne has been chosen as something of a base for the party, and a testing ground for its recruitment attempts, has understandably been a cause for much local heartsearching.
Of course, its efforts in Larne and across Northern Ireland follow successes in last year's European elections. That Larne could be a fertile recruiting area has been highlighted, but also contested, by local representatives.
Speaking to the Larne Gazette following the December meeting, DUP Mayor of Larne Cllr Bobby McKee slammed far right activities in the Borough.
He accused them of "simply hyping people's emotions up."
However, despite his clearly expressed "disappointment" at the fact that any local support has been given to the far right at all, he felt this was the work of only a "few individuals."
Awareness of, and vigilance towards, such activity was nevertheless necessary, he believed.
SDLP candidate for East Antrim Justin McCamphill was another who spoke out about BNP efforts to establish themselves and expand in this part of Northern Ireland.
His comments reflected the growing concern of those outside Larne regarding the party's continuing actions here.
Mr McCamphill described the BNP as a "fascist party", one "promoting an evil agenda" and "telling outright lies" about immigration.
Speaking to those who had allegedly made their premises available for the party's meeting in December, he said the people responsible ought to "think again before they allow the BNP to return."
The candidate said the first meeting place may have been booked under a different name but the party's website "clearly shows BNP paraphernalia in their premises."
He thought the venue owners would be "disgusted that these people came to Larne" and used the kind of language it is claimed they did.
With further activities allegedly planned for Larne, it appears such feelings and growing unease will continue.
"Have nothing to do with it"
The Mayor of Larne, Cllr Bobby McKee, who totally condemned the December meeting and all activity of the far right, has appealed to the people of Larne not to get involved with any forthcoming BNP action.
Speaking to the Larne Gazette on Monday, he stated firmly, "I would say to the local people involved not to have anything to do with it.
“I would ask them to reflect back.
“As I've said, you have to keep one eye on the past but also keep one eye on the future, otherwise you're blind.
“The future for Northern Ireland, and Great Britain, is inclusiveness, working together.
“To target people because of their background is totally outdated and utterly unacceptable.
“Something we need to get educated about is the fact that we all have to live together. We have to work as a team.
“I also have to say I have great difficulty with people getting their emotions worked up and then having to pay the penalty for their actions, but the people who organise this behind closed doors seem immune to the price of it."
The Mayor concluded by issuing his unequivocal appeal to people to shun the far right and instead work for the good of their community, all their community:
“My appeal, and I would make an appeal to the people of Larne and County Antrim, is to try and look to the future here and see what positive contribution they can make to society."
*At the time of going to Press, no-one from the BNP was available for comment.