From Peter and Carl to the Irish

From NME.com:

Pete Doherty, Carl Barat, Franz Ferdinand and Billy Bragg are among those who have signed a St Patrick’s Day letter aimed at London’s Irish community. Celebrating today’s (March 17) saint day, the letter, issued by Rock Against Racism, and also signed by MPs, is warning the UK capital’s Irish community against voting for the British National Party in the forthcoming London mayoral election in May. The right-wing political organisation has apparently issued election literature targeting support from that community. Warning about the current campaign, the signed letter declares: “We believe that the BNP remains an inherently racist organisation; their past and present is based not on nationalism or patriotism, but fascism. The Irish community in Britain and especially in London has a long history of involvement in anti-fascist and anti-racist activities. Everyone who rejects the BNP's politics of hate has the duty to do everything they can to stop them. We urge the Irish community and all communities in London to reject the politics of division and hate in May.” Other signatories to the letter include author Will Self and former Irish football internationals David Kelly and Kieron Brady.