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BNP’s ‘presence’ in Larne disappointing claims Mayor

Wednesday, 3 February 2010

LARNE Mayor Bobby McKee has advised the people of Larne to 'ignore' the attempts of the British National Party's attempts to create a presence in the town.
It was revealed in this paper recently that the BNP are planning a Day of Action in Larne within the next few weeks.
It was also revealed that the controversial group is trying to establish itself, and recruit members, in Larne and as well as across Northern Ireland.
Recently a BNP organiser and a number of others met in a pub in Larne to plan a forthcoming 'Day of Action' in Larne Town Centre.
The so-called 'Day of Action', it is claimed, is planned to take place on a Saturday within a couple of weeks' time.
This is not the first time the BNP have tried to establish a presence in Larne.
One of their number told the Larne Gazette that "they will never get anywhere in Larne unless they get further support."
The BNP claim to have a 'dozen or so' members in the area, as previously reported in this newspaper.
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.
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But Mayor McKee has said that if the BNP's 40 members is something of a plus for them, they could be in need of a 'new lease of life'.
Speaking to the Gazette, Mr McKee said: "I find it hard to believe that in this day and age, that this mentality still exsists amongst some people. We have to learn to live with each other, regardless of what race or religion we are. They seem intent to generate as much publicity for themselves as possible.
“If there are so few members of 40 or whatever, perhaps they need a new lease of life, when you consider the population of this town. In saying that, however, it's a disappointing situation and I would advise the people of Larne to ignore them and their ideas", Mr McKee added.
Of course, the British National Party's appearances in Larne have been met with disdain by local politicians, but it seems that membership could be slowly rising.
As reported in a pre-Christmas edition of the 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.'
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."
A statement on the political group's wesite claimed: "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".

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