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19/01/2006
Fathers 4 Justice disbands on kidnap plot allegations
Fathers 4 Justice is to disband, following reports linking the fathers' rights group to a plot to kidnap Prime Minister Tony Blair's youngest son.
The group's leader Matt O'Connor announced yesterday that he was suspending the operations of the group, following allegations in 'The Sun' newspaper that 'extremists sympathisers' associated with the group had plotted to kidnap Mr Blair's five-year-old son Leo.
In a statement, Mr O'Connor said that Fathers 4 Justice was increasingly having its name "hijacked" by a growing number of militant extremists. He said: "After peacefully campaigning for three years to ensure children get to see their fathers, we condemn any individual who planned this appalling outrage, which is anathema to our campaign.
"I have three young boys myself and couldn't think of anything more traumatic for Mr Blair, his family and his son.
"This kind of coverage unravels all the good work we have done over the last three years."
Speaking to Channel 4 News last night, Mr O'Connor confirmed that the organisation was to disband. He said: "I want to get a good night's sleep. This is not what I wanted. I don't want to be associated with an organisation getting headlines like this."
Fathers 4 Justice became famous for their high profile demonstrations, staged by protestors who usually dressed up as comic book heroes.
Some of their most famous demonstrations took place at Buckingham Palace and the House of Commons, where protestors managed to hit the Prime Minister with flour.
However, last year the group was forced to expel 30 people, apparently in a bid to rid the group of extremist elements.
(KMcA/SP)
The group's leader Matt O'Connor announced yesterday that he was suspending the operations of the group, following allegations in 'The Sun' newspaper that 'extremists sympathisers' associated with the group had plotted to kidnap Mr Blair's five-year-old son Leo.
In a statement, Mr O'Connor said that Fathers 4 Justice was increasingly having its name "hijacked" by a growing number of militant extremists. He said: "After peacefully campaigning for three years to ensure children get to see their fathers, we condemn any individual who planned this appalling outrage, which is anathema to our campaign.
"I have three young boys myself and couldn't think of anything more traumatic for Mr Blair, his family and his son.
"This kind of coverage unravels all the good work we have done over the last three years."
Speaking to Channel 4 News last night, Mr O'Connor confirmed that the organisation was to disband. He said: "I want to get a good night's sleep. This is not what I wanted. I don't want to be associated with an organisation getting headlines like this."
Fathers 4 Justice became famous for their high profile demonstrations, staged by protestors who usually dressed up as comic book heroes.
Some of their most famous demonstrations took place at Buckingham Palace and the House of Commons, where protestors managed to hit the Prime Minister with flour.
However, last year the group was forced to expel 30 people, apparently in a bid to rid the group of extremist elements.
(KMcA/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
