In another blow to freedom of expression a student society at University College Cork has withdrawn an invitation for Nick Griffin, MEP to speak at a debate next month.

In a statement this afternoon, the UCC Government and Politics Society said it had withdrawn the invitation as a result of submissions from University staff and Gardaí, who had outlined a “potential threat to the safety and welfare of our students and the general public”.

While the society claims it remains committed to open debate, and it will still host the planned debate later in the year, the British National Party leader and MEP will not be able to speak or attend. 

The proposed visit had been opposed by a number of political groups on campus, including its branch of the Labour party.

University authorities had previously pledged security support for the event, but a spokesman explained that the threat to student safety from “members of a minority community” meant it was no longer possible.

A debate on inviting Griffin had been held at the college’s Philosophical Society last week, with a majority of students reportedly backing the plans to invite him.

The withdrawal of the invitation marks the second time that an invitation for Nick to participate in an Irish university debate has been withdrawn this year.

Trinity College’s Philosophical Society had invited him to participate in a debate on immigration in October, but the college and society later withdrew the invite citing ‘safety considerations’.

Nick Griffin commented: "First, I would like to praise the courage of some in Ireland for at least seeking to hold these debates. That puts them ahead of the United Kingdom in recent times. Second, I would like to ask how a democratic society is possible when debate is stifled by militant minorities? If we are to preserve our democratic values someone must be brave enough to stand for freedom and face these people down. Those who threaten violence to prevent debate have once again been rewarded. Those who, like me, believe in freedom have been disappointed."

Even the surrender of democratic principle has not been enough. The misnamed 'Cork Against Fascism' stated:

"Our question should be, are we satisfied with the Government and Politics society’s pragmatic cancellation, or do we want to recognise the political nature of this situation and ensure that it doesn’t happen again?
The first step that the student community should take in acknowledging this threat is to adopt a No Platform for Fascists policy in the Students’ Union. This is already the position of the National Union of Students in Britain and the Students’ Union of NUI Galway. Cork Against Fascism will be campaigning for the same standards from the UCC Students’ Union. Student pressure can make this happen."

Nick Griffin, MEP declared:

"Appeasement never satisfies the Red Fascists. They just raise their demands. This is the process we can see in action here. Anyone supporting 'No Platform' is an enemy of freedom and democracy."