BNP leader stands by ‘Fenian bastards’ tweet

The leader of the British National Party, MEP Nick Griffin, has refused to apologise for a tweet in which he referred to “Fenian bastards” — even though in the past he has claimed his ancestors came from a village in North Cork.

The row erupted when the leader of the far right political party tweeted pictures from the Orange Order Parade on Saturday commemorating the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Ulster Covenant opposing Home Rule.

The BNP leader said he received abusive messages to his Twitter account, and then tweeted: “So Ulster pics have upset my Republican stalkers. Tell you what, the bodran can’t match the lambeg, you Fenian bastards.”