Breaking news: Trinity calls off Griffin visit

Trinity College Dublin’s Philosophical (debating) society has called off the hotly controversial visit of British National Party leader and renowned bigot Nick Griffin, citing security concerns.

The event, which was due to take place in a little over a week, had received considerable media attention and opposition from a number of quarters.

Concern was also expressed that the event could be hijacked by party organizers to try spur impetus for the foundation of an Irish wing of the controversial political party, which has previously advocated staunchly anti-immigrant, positions.

Local socialists, concerned members of the public, and a UK-based Jewish students’ union had all also expressed their opposition to the visit, saying that to give a prominent fascist a public audience was wrong.

BNP’s spokesperson Simon Darby told TheJournal that the decision to pull the plug on the controversial event was not entirely surprising.

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Trinity told the Irish Examiner that the invite had been withdrawn after staff and students voiced their objections.

“There were objections but like any democracy there will be objections. The college encourages balanced debate and freedom of speech at all times,” she said.

There was also speculation that the event had divided the Philosoph’s committee on whether or not it should be given the green light to go ahead.

Griffin, who has a record of Holocaust denial, anti-Islam rhetoric, and homophobia had been scheduled to attend the debate ‘This House Believes That Immigration Has Gone Too Far’, scheduled to take place on Thursday October 20.

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By JANE MCCARTHY

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