SDLP Youth members have launched an anti-fascist petition against the National Front at the University of Ulster, Coleraine Fresher's Day.
It follows a recent National Front party meeting which took place in Coleraine earlier this month. East Derry Youth Leader Liam McNulty said the groups presence within East Londonderry was "greatly resented".
Liam said:
"The fact that hundreds of people from right across the political divide have supported our petition sends out a clear message that there is no place for racism or fascism in our community.
"Students have in the past been at the forefront of anti-fascism activity in this area and they have demonstrated willingness for an inclusive, pluralist and equal society once again.
They are horrified that this motley group met in a Coleraine bar recently after deceiving the bar staff about their purpose and motives. Their presence is greatly resented and they will have great difficulty finding a venue in the future unless they rely on their ago old practice of deception.
He continued: "Those who divide our community along racial or national lines have no solutions for the pressing problems of unemployment, deprivation and inequality. Only by uniting together can we move forward into a shared future. Coleraine needs the National Front like a hole in the head.
The SDLP Youth Organisation has been congratulated on their initiative by East Derry SDLP Assembly Member John Dallat, a veteran campaigner against the National Front. He said: "Many years ago when this unholy group of hate mongers last tried to organise in Coleraine students from all over Ireland organised one of the biggest counter NF marches ever to be held on this island. From the four provinces they outnumbered the NF hate mongers by 10 to 1 to ensure that the facists never got putting down their vile roots in this community. I am glad that students today are no less caring about racism and hate-mongering."
Londonderry Sentinel
