Sir, – In response to the letter from Vincent Lavery et al (November 30th), we wish to draw a distinction between free speech and a platform.
Nick Griffin is free to come to Ireland to speak whenever he wants. Trinity Against Fascism opposed the invitation to him on the grounds that it was offering him a platform in a prominent forum as an invited guest speaker.
We did this because his organisation incites hatred against, and seeks to marginalise, those from migrant and non-white backgrounds. The offer of a platform adds legitimacy to his cause and conflates immigration with white-nationalist racism. This is particularly irresponsible in a recessionary Ireland where there has been a string of recent high-profile racist incidents.
The struggle for freedom of speech involves sacrifice on the part of those struggling for it – not their engagement in tabloid sensationalism, with the risk being passed on to communities in more vulnerable positions than their own. Gaining platforms in prominent arenas is a tactic used by organised racist groups to legitimise their views, bring them into the mainstream and justify the racism of an often violent minority. We want no part of it. – Yours, etc,