National Front support grows in Coleraine

Tom Linden, who recently spoke at a party meeting in Coleraine, claims that there is strong support in the area for the National Front and its far right-wing policies.

In a statement to The Coleraine Times, he said: "Coleraine is a powerhouse of British Nationalism and even has a very strong youth wing.

"It will not be long before this vibrant branch under its new leadership will be contesting seats in local elections – well done Coleraine."

He added: "Coleraine has a very strong National Front history and it is clear that there is a growing support for the NF and its policies."

Mr Linden declined - "for the safety of the venue owners and their property" - to reveal where the local meeting was held but said it took place on Sunday, August 29 with over 50 members and supporters attending.

He said that the age group of those present ranged from 13 to 50 with most in their twenties.

Mr Linden, who was on holiday in Northern Ireland, spoke at prearranged meetings around the North, including Coleraine.

In his speech Mr Linden said that the ramifications of the government's Equality Bill had plunged British Nationalism into crisis which meant that the National Front "must evolve in line with the change in the law."

He said that the NF was continuing to contest elections, even against the BNP and claimed party membership was growing.

"Many senior NF party officials have indicated that they are prepared to go to prison to defend our constitution and our party's membership rules," he told the Coleraine meeting.

"The NF have also been planning a legal response to the new laws for years and already have in place plans and procedures in the event of the law being enacted."

In an attack on the BNP, he said: "The BNP, I believe has no interest in seeking to return to street activism so the way is clear for the NF to become the primary organisation in the UK that organises and deploys British nationalists who are interested in political and street activism.

"The imploding of the BNP and its internal problems has left a huge hole in the British nationalist movement.

"The National Front must capitalise upon this opportunity."

He said the party must begin "community network building" and also assist young British nationalists through the educational system.

"We must build a British Nationalist majority on the ground in our communities who will vote us into power at election times and whose loyalty to us will not be affected by media lies directed against us."