Islamic cleric Anjem Choudary spoke to the University Philosophical Society (Phil) on February 18. Choudary was invited by the Phil to speak at paper reading and discussion. The paper being read was ‘Islam and the West: A Question of Reconciliation’ which was prepared by three Phil council members David Barrett, Eoin O’Liathain, and John Engle.
Choudary’s organization, Islam4Uk was banned in the UK under antiterrorism laws by the Home Secretary, Alan Johnson last month.
Choudary said ‘it was a brilliant debate. I spoke for about ten minutes arguing that Islam is not compatible with Western values and there could be no compromise.’
‘Islam should not give in to the ways of Western society and there can be no integration with liberal democratic societies. I also pointed out that the conflict can reach a military level as in Afghanistan and Iraq. There will always be clashes. I spoke for the introduction of Sharia law and got a very good reception.’
Phil President, Brendan Curran commenting on the decision to invite Choudary said ‘the Phil’s debates and paper readings are organized by its Secretary with the assistance and advice of Council. In inviting guests, he has regard to whether their contribution will make for an interesting, exciting and thought-provoking discussion, rather than his personal feelings on the validity or invalidity of their views.’
Choudary said the society paid all his expenses, including the flight, overnight stay at a hotel and food. ‘It was a lovely three-star hotel in a plush part of the city, which was great. It is always good to speak to open-minded students.’
Curran said ‘the Phil does not pay fees to any of its speakers, but does endeavour to cover any reasonable expense incurred by them in travelling to Dublin.’
Backbench Conservative Party MP Patrick Mercer, chairman of a Commons’ anti-terror committee, said the Garda should closely examine every word he said to see if he broke any Irish laws. Mercer said ‘it would be sensible of the Garda to look at his stream of bile to see if he has overstepped the mark.’
The University Times asked the Garda press office if they were investigating the nature of what Choudary said to see if it broke Irish law, they said that they ‘are not in the habit of commenting on operational matters.’
In a previous visit to the College, Choudary said Ireland could be targeted by terrorists because of the government’s decision to allow US troops to refuel at Shannon Airport.
