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19/01/2006
Fathers 4 Justice disbands on kidnap plot allegations
Fathers 4 Justice is to disband, following reports linking the fathers' rights group to a plot to kidnap Prime Minister Tony Blair's youngest son.
The group's leader Matt O'Connor announced yesterday that he was suspending the operations of the group, following allegations in 'The Sun' newspaper that 'extremists sympathisers' associated with the group had plotted to kidnap Mr Blair's five-year-old son Leo.
In a statement, Mr O'Connor said that Fathers 4 Justice was increasingly having its name "hijacked" by a growing number of militant extremists. He said: "After peacefully campaigning for three years to ensure children get to see their fathers, we condemn any individual who planned this appalling outrage, which is anathema to our campaign.
"I have three young boys myself and couldn't think of anything more traumatic for Mr Blair, his family and his son.
"This kind of coverage unravels all the good work we have done over the last three years."
Speaking to Channel 4 News last night, Mr O'Connor confirmed that the organisation was to disband. He said: "I want to get a good night's sleep. This is not what I wanted. I don't want to be associated with an organisation getting headlines like this."
Fathers 4 Justice became famous for their high profile demonstrations, staged by protestors who usually dressed up as comic book heroes.
Some of their most famous demonstrations took place at Buckingham Palace and the House of Commons, where protestors managed to hit the Prime Minister with flour.
However, last year the group was forced to expel 30 people, apparently in a bid to rid the group of extremist elements.
(KMcA/SP)
The group's leader Matt O'Connor announced yesterday that he was suspending the operations of the group, following allegations in 'The Sun' newspaper that 'extremists sympathisers' associated with the group had plotted to kidnap Mr Blair's five-year-old son Leo.
In a statement, Mr O'Connor said that Fathers 4 Justice was increasingly having its name "hijacked" by a growing number of militant extremists. He said: "After peacefully campaigning for three years to ensure children get to see their fathers, we condemn any individual who planned this appalling outrage, which is anathema to our campaign.
"I have three young boys myself and couldn't think of anything more traumatic for Mr Blair, his family and his son.
"This kind of coverage unravels all the good work we have done over the last three years."
Speaking to Channel 4 News last night, Mr O'Connor confirmed that the organisation was to disband. He said: "I want to get a good night's sleep. This is not what I wanted. I don't want to be associated with an organisation getting headlines like this."
Fathers 4 Justice became famous for their high profile demonstrations, staged by protestors who usually dressed up as comic book heroes.
Some of their most famous demonstrations took place at Buckingham Palace and the House of Commons, where protestors managed to hit the Prime Minister with flour.
However, last year the group was forced to expel 30 people, apparently in a bid to rid the group of extremist elements.
(KMcA/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
