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01/10/2012
Griffin Defends Covenant 'F*nian' Comment
Nick Griffin continues to cause controversy over his decision not to apologise for comments he made following Saturday’s Ulster Covenant centenary parade.
The BNP leader defended using the term "f*nian", a derogatory term for Catholics, on his Twitter account.
Mr Griffin attended the Ulster Covenant event at Stormont in Belfast on Saturday, but the outspoken politician caused offense when he used the word.
Defending his actions, he said: "It wasn't about Catholics, it was about the operatives of the republican grievance exploitation machine who were leaving foul-mouthed tweets on my Twitter feed. It was about them specifically. They're the ones I had a go at."
The BNP leader’s comments have been criticised across Northern Ireland's political parties.
SDLP councillor Nichola Mallon said she had lodged a formal complaint against Mr Griffin with the PSNI.
"The complaint I have lodged cites Part III of the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987, which deals with actions or words which stir up hatred or fear," she said.
"By using the language he used, he has also proven himself unfit for elected office, and the authorities at the European Parliament should be taking advice on what action to take against him."
DUP councillor and Orangeman Christopher Stalford has also criticised Mr Griffin’s comments.
"Unionism is open and inclusive, you can come from any background and be a unionist. I don't believe that Nick Griffin had any place being there and this is exactly the sort of stunt that he thrives on," he said.
"One knuckle-dragging MEP turning up does not mar the whole day. I just think it's sad that it has received the attention it has. That's probably mission accomplished as far as he is concerned."
(IT)
The BNP leader defended using the term "f*nian", a derogatory term for Catholics, on his Twitter account.
Mr Griffin attended the Ulster Covenant event at Stormont in Belfast on Saturday, but the outspoken politician caused offense when he used the word.
Defending his actions, he said: "It wasn't about Catholics, it was about the operatives of the republican grievance exploitation machine who were leaving foul-mouthed tweets on my Twitter feed. It was about them specifically. They're the ones I had a go at."
The BNP leader’s comments have been criticised across Northern Ireland's political parties.
SDLP councillor Nichola Mallon said she had lodged a formal complaint against Mr Griffin with the PSNI.
"The complaint I have lodged cites Part III of the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987, which deals with actions or words which stir up hatred or fear," she said.
"By using the language he used, he has also proven himself unfit for elected office, and the authorities at the European Parliament should be taking advice on what action to take against him."
DUP councillor and Orangeman Christopher Stalford has also criticised Mr Griffin’s comments.
"Unionism is open and inclusive, you can come from any background and be a unionist. I don't believe that Nick Griffin had any place being there and this is exactly the sort of stunt that he thrives on," he said.
"One knuckle-dragging MEP turning up does not mar the whole day. I just think it's sad that it has received the attention it has. That's probably mission accomplished as far as he is concerned."
(IT)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
