BNP candidate faces sack

May 22, 2009

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Eddy O'Sullivan

A CANDIDATE standing in the European election for the extremist right wing British National Party has posted racist comments on the internet.

Eddy O'Sullivan, the Salford organiser of the BNP, wrote a series of offensive comments about non-white people on his Facebook profile.

Party bosses are now investigating the statements on the social networking site and say he could face disciplinary action, including suspension and deselection.

Mr O'Sullivan, 49, who is fourth on the BNP's north west list for Euro candidates, admitted making the comments on the website but denied they were racist.

He said: "It was supposed to be a private conversation between individuals. I also may have had a drink at the time. I don't believe those comments are racist. I'm not a racist and that is that. I don't regret saying anything because it was a private conversation."

His Facebook profile was publicly viewable, which meant it was accessible to anyone on the site, but it has since been taken down. Last night Mr O'Sullivan's details had been removed from the BNP's website.

In recent years the BNP has attempted to change its image as a racist party. However, it still allows only white people to become members and has a policy of demanding that non-white British people leave the country.

Clive Jefferson, north west organiser of the BNP, said if the allegations were proved Mr O'Sullivan would be suspended from the BNP in Salford.

He said: "That is unacceptable and I'm going to suspend him from the party and from the European candidacy.

"There's freedom of speech and there is unacceptable language and I think this is unacceptable."

Simon Darby, deputy leader of the party, said: "We will have an investigation and we will take disciplinary action if we find he has posted the comments. If he has made these comments on a public website then it is a serious matter."

Mr O'Sullivan, a driving instructor, came third earlier this year in a by-election in Pendlebury. In the run-up to the vote Mr O'Sullivan also made disparaging comments about Liberal Democrat councillor Steve Cooke on his website.

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Andanotherthing, Mcr (21/05/2009 at 12:12)

There we go, that is why they do not go out canvassing. Oh I bet they suspend him alright,spoiling their best ever opportunity like that.

Mark, South Manchester (21/05/2009 at 12:13)

QUOTE; "However, it still allows only white people to become members..."

Absolutely astonishing. And people are actually prepared to vote for such thugs?
Hazel Blears or Mr O'Sullivan & his type - heaven help us!!

Rt Hon Dr Rev MC Spanner MP QC FCA FRICS JP OK (21/05/2009 at 12:24)

I thought they would have moved him up the list!!!!

MancunianHumbersider, Radcliffe (21/05/2009 at 12:35)

If the BNP are successful in the European elections the ones to blame are the Media for blowing out of all proportion this whole business of MP expenses. If you think that the current situation is bad this is small beer compared to what will happen if BNP candidates win seats. They will be able to spend OUR TAX PAYERS MONEY to promote their racist agenda. They will have access to resources and be able to spend YOUR money on offensive literature. MPs spending my money to repair toilet seats or to wage a racist anti-black and anti muslim campaign? I know which I would rather have. BNP candidates must be rubbing their hands with glee at the new stories out there about MP expenses right now. Believe me if the BNP get in we will have far more to worry about. WE MUST STOP THE BNP AT ALL COSTS.

William Mccarthy (21/05/2009 at 12:41)

This is a democracy, or was until the Government introduced its PC laws. The BNP is a legal political party and should be accorded the courtesies displayed to other legal parties. We can let history determine its merits or otherwise. What is sad about all the turmoil in today's politics is that there are an awful lot of dedicated people on the ground do enormous amounts of work in support of their parties and they are faced with idiotic people like this. It makes me wince to think that such a person could be representing people in the EU Parliament. Talk of 'private conversations' and 'some drink involved' are open admissions of guilt. He should be dismissed from the BNP and the BNP should issue an open apology for any misconduct.

Ace Shakespeare , manchester (21/05/2009 at 14:48)

We have a democracy run by the media in britain.We dont have a true free press,i find that people are being guided by what they see and hear in the media so its natural to think "Who owns the media owns the government"

tonydj, Ashton u Lyne (21/05/2009 at 15:34)

The Very Cheeky Monkey, in the trees (21/05/2009 at 15:36)

You are all very naive if you think that overtly racist behaviour puts people off. Everyone needs to get their heads round the fact that a large proportion of the British population is racist and is coyly waiting for someone to voice their views; to represent them.

All this tut tutting at the BNP is delusional buffoonery. They represent quite a chunk of society who, at the moment, don't feel able to show their hand. The way to deal with a naughty child isn't to ignore it - it won't just go away.

Ace Shakespeare , manchester (21/05/2009 at 15:54)

The Very Cheeky Monkey, in the trees
Very well worked out.

Almighty G0D, Everywhere (21/05/2009 at 16:02)

@Ace, "Who owns the media owns the government"

I believe this to be especially true for the BBC.

The Very Cheeky Monkey, in the trees (21/05/2009 at 16:15)

So who owns the media?

Beware, your answer may be racist and stray into neo-nazi rubbish.

CorneredAllTheLuck, Tameside (22/05/2009 at 09:02)

Just totally unprofessional, can't they get classier candidates or are they just scraping the bottom of the barrel? My guess is that he won't be looking so smug now.

Mark, South Manchester (22/05/2009 at 09:53)

QUOTE; "You are all very naive if you think that overtly racist behaviour puts people off. Everyone needs to get their heads round the fact that a large proportion of the British population is racist and is coyly waiting for someone to voice their views; to represent them."

No Cheeky Monkey, you're only talking about you & your own circle of bigoted mates.
Where is your proof of this "a large proportion of the British population is racist"?
No MPs but fifty six BNP councillors in the whole of Britain - is that the proof?
What a demeaning, insulting view you have of British people.

John Walker (22/05/2009 at 11:10)

But what did he actually say? Why has the MEN not told us what was said? If it was so terrible why not prove your statement that it was "Racist" (sic).

Your refusal to quote his words makes me suspicious.
tonydj, Ashton u Lyne

If they had printed his actual quote it would not have seemed so bad. You have to ask the question, why the media feel the need to go scouring peoples facebook accounts. They never attack the BNP policies, just look for personal smears.

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