Clr Mac Giolla Easbuig charged that the National Party emblem is based on an emblem used by the South African National Party founded in 1914 and only disbanded in 1997.
Clr Mac Giolla Easbuig stated:
It’s clear that the Irish National Party have looked to base their logo on that of the party that implemented the policy of apartheid in South Africa for decades. This policy which saw a white minority maintaining political and economic control of the country through a system of economic, social and political segregation of races.
Clr Mac Giolla Easbuig continued:
The Clerk of Leinster House acts as the Registrar of Political Parties under Section 11 of the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2001. This clearly states that if an emblem is, ‘is obscene or offensive’ it is deemed to be illegal. The similarity between the logos of the South African National Party and the Irish National Party is deliberate. I believe that the National Party logo is then clearly offensive. We would not tolerate a party using the swastika, confederate flags or Italian fasces, so why is the logo of apartheid acceptable.
Clr Mac Giolla Easbuig has launched an online petition to try mobilize support against the emblem being accepted by Leinster House. All those that want to see the emblem banned can sign up to the campaign.
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