Controversial political parties
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This document discusses the challenges around providing political platforms to controversial parties. It examines two case studies: Sinn Fein, an Irish Republican party accused of ties to the IRA, and the British Nationalist Party, an anti-immigration far-right party with links to racist groups. For Sinn Fein, governments initially banned members from media and debates but later engaged in negotiations that led to peace agreements. For the BNP, there is debate around balancing freedom of speech against banning groups that incite hatred, with some arguing they should be allowed to operate as a legal party while others protest their events.
Controversial political parties
- 1. Controversial Political Parties. Should they be given a platform?
- 2. Problem: ï‚› What do you do with Political parties that have political views that may be interpreted as extreme, or are involved in criminal activities? ï‚› What do you do with Political Parties that advocate a political agenda that may be considered extreme or illegial activities?
- 3. Case Study 1: Sinn Fein ï‚› An Irish Republican and Socialist Party. ï‚› Advocated the Unification of Ireland. ï‚› They still today refuse to sit in Parliament even when elected. ï‚› They were often considered to be the Political wing of the Irish Republican Army.
- 4. Sinn Fein ï‚› Sinn Fein members such as Martin McGuinness, Gerry Kelly and Gerry Adams have been alleged to be IRA members. ï‚› Sinn Fein do not recognise Northern Ireland as being a part of the UK and instead make the assertion that it is under British Occupation.
- 6. Whats the Solution? A refusual to recognise the full borders of the state.  A refusal to sit in Parliament even when Democratically elected.  Potential Involvement in ‘Terrorist Activities’
- 7. The Response of Two Priministers.  ‘Terrorists should not be given a voice.’  Gerry Adams voice was dubbed over on TV.  Senior members of Sinn Fein were prohibited from taking part in Political Debates on live TV.  The British Comedian Steve Coogan made a skit on this policy.  http://www.youtube.co m/watch?v=w6UhXivPy w4
- 8. The Response of Two Priministers. ï‚› Implementation of the Good Friday Peace Agreement. ï‚› A state recognition of the views of Republicans. ï‚› A release of all Republicans Prisoners. ï‚› Negotiated a disarmament of the IRA in return for a demilitarization of Northern Ireland.
- 9. Case Study 2: The British Nationalist Party.  An Extreme Right political party.  A successor of the National Front.  Members have shared Platforms with the KKK.  Historically Holocaust Deniers.  Anti Islamic, Anti Immigration, Anti-multiculturalism.  Support ideas of British Nationalism and a concept of ‘Indigenous British’  Is alleged to encourage racial violence.
- 10. British Nationalist Party.  Until 2010, the BNP only allowed membership of the party to ‘Indigenous British.’  BNP members are currently banned from holding positions in the Prison service, Police service and also senior positions in the Anglican Church.
- 11. Freedom of Speech Vs Incitment of Hatred.  The European Parliament has ruled that banning the BNP from trade unions, or certain professions is a violation of Human rights.  However the Law in England gives the BNP freedom to function as a Political Party provided that they do not breech the point of openly inciting hatred. However some BNP meetings are held in private.  Organizations such as ‘Unite against Fascism’ a pressure group, believe in protesting to prevent any BNP members from having a platform, they regularly ‘gatecrash’ BNP meetings.  In the 2009 UK election, the BNP were allowed for the first time to broadcast their Party Political Broadcast, provided that it followed the Law.  The BNP currently have two members in the European Parliament.