{{Short description|Irish far-right activist (born 1971)}} {{about|the Irish political activist|the psychologist|Justin L. Barrett}} {{Use Hiberno-English|date=April 2024}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Justin Barrett | blank1 = Other names | data1 = Justin Slevin<ref name=bigboys>{{cite news|page=41|newspaper=The Irish Times|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/taking-on-the-big-boys-1.1097804|date=5 October 2002|title=Taking on the big boys|first=Deaglán|last=de Bréadún|quote=He was born in Cork city in 1971, fostered when he was two and adopted at the age of five by a family in Borrisokane, Co Tipperary. Barrett was his mother's family name and the one on his birth certificate, but his adoptive family's name was Slevin, so for years he was known as "Barrett Slevin", as though Barrett were a Christian name. He eventually opted for Barrett, and dropped the Slevin.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|page=31|date=12 October 2002|newspaper=Irish Independent|quote=who changed his name from a few years ago from Justin Slevin|title=The Persuaders}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Sunday Mirror |date=29 September 2002 |title=Fascist Link of 'No to Nice' Chief |first=Francis |last=O'Donnell |url=http://www.geocities.ws/irishafa/news.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161119184907/http://www.geocities.ws/irishafa/news.html |archive-date=19 November 2016 |access-date=19 November 2016 |quote=People first became aware of Barrett's nasty views when he ran for a Union of Students in Ireland election in 1992 as a candidate from Athlone RTC. Barrett at this time was called Justin Slevin; he changed his name some years later }}</ref> | image = Justin Barrett, 2017 Ard Fheis (cropped).jpg | caption = Barrett in 2017 | office1 = Leader of Clann Éireann | deputy1 = | term_start1 = April 2024 | term_end1 = | predecessor1 = ''Position established'' | successor1 = | office2 = Leader of the National Party | deputy2 = James Reynolds (until 2023) | term_start2 = 16 November 2016 | term_end2 = July 2023 | predecessor2 = | successor2 = James Reynolds | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1971|04|13|df=y}}<ref>{{cite news|last1=Coyle|first1=Colin|title=Justin Barrett By: Brexit and Trump|newspaper=Sunday Times|date=20 November 2016}}</ref> | birth_place = Cork, Ireland | years_active = | education = | alma_mater = Athlone Regional Technical College (dropped out) | known_for = {{ubl|Anti-abortion activism|Anti-immigration activism|Far-right politics}} | office3 = Leader of Youth Defence | party = {{ubl|Clann Éireann (2024–)|National Party (2016–2023)|Fine Gael (1991)}} | other_party = | term_start3 = 2000 | term_end3 = <ref name="npfaq" /><ref name="examinerJan2010"/><ref name="Analysis2001"/><ref name="sundayindoMay2004"/><ref name="indoAug2009"/> | spouse = Rebecca Barrett<ref>{{Twitter|id=RebBarrettNP|name=Rebecca Barrett}}</ref><br/>Bernadette Barrett (div.) | children = 9 | website = }} '''Justin Barrett''' (born 13 April 1971) is an Irish far-right and neo-Nazi political activist. He was leader of the National Party from 2016 until July 2023; from then until 2025 both he and his former deputy, James Reynolds, both claimed sole leadership of the party.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Meeting' to expel Justin Barrett as leader of National Party attended by one person |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/09/12/meeting-to-expel-justin-barrett-as-leader-of-the-national-party-was-attended-by-one-person/ |access-date=2025-07-15 |website=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref>
Barrett's activism began in the 1990s, with the anti-abortion campaign group Youth Defence. He campaigned against the Treaty of Nice in 2002 and founded the National Party in 2016. Barrett and the National Party campaigned for a No vote in the 2018 abortion referendum through the Abortion Never campaign,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/you-re-next-if-law-repealed-far-right-tells-elderly-b88qj0wn6|title=You're next if abortion law repealed, far-right tells elderly|last=Coyne|first=Ellen|date=21 March 2018|work=The Times (Ireland edition)}}</ref> which functioned as "an Irish nationalist anti-abortion campaign".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://abortionnever.ie/|title=Abortion Never|website=AbortionNever.ie|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref> Barrett has never held or been elected to any public office. He contested the 2004 European Election as an independent, receiving 2.4% of the vote in the East constituency and failing to be elected. Barrett also contested the 2021 Dublin Bay South by-election for the National Party, receiving 183 first-preference votes (0.68%), thus failing to be elected.
His early activism focused mostly on campaigning in Irish referendums from a Eurosceptic, anti-abortion, anti-immigration, and social conservative perspective. He subsequently however moved towards far-right politics and co-founded the National Party.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/irish-far-right-groups-remain-on-the-margins-of-political-life-109464.html|title=Irish far right groups remain on the margins of political life|last=Millar|first=Scott|date=12 January 2010|newspaper=Irish Examiner|quote=...former Youth Defence leader, Justin Barrett.}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Gable|first=Gerry|date=November 2009|title=Jim Dowson: How a militant anti-abortionist took over the BNP. Part 1 of a three part investigation.|journal=Searchlight|quote=His luck changed when he formed an alliance with Justin Barrett, a far-right Catholic lawyer and leader of the notorious Irish anti-abortion group Youth Defence, which had previously stormed buildings in Dublin in their crusade against a woman's right to choose.}}</ref><ref name="Merrion" /> Barrett has attracted controversy for making racist and homophobic remarks.<ref name="slur">{{Cite news|last=McCarthy|first=Justine|title=National Party walkout over Varadkar gay slur|newspaper=The Times|language=en|url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/national-party-walkout-over-varadkar-gay-slur-gtkbbwkxb|access-date=9 June 2021|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> In September 2019, he controversially implied that, if in power, he would strip the Irish citizenship rights of local government politician Hazel Chu, an Irish-born woman of Chinese-descent who has lived in Ireland her entire life.<ref name="irishpostOConnor">{{Cite web|last=O'Connor|first=Rachael|title=Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu hits back at racist harassment on social media|url=https://www.irishpost.com/news/mayor-of-dublin-hazel-chu-hits-back-at-racist-harassment-on-social-media-197021|date=5 November 2020 |access-date=13 November 2020|website=The Irish Post }}</ref>
Described by ''The Phoenix'' as a Neo-Nazi,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thephoenix.ie/article/young-blood-nick-delehanty/ |title=Young Blood: Nick Delahunty|date=7 August 2025|access-date=2025-08-08 |website=The Phoenix Magazine |language=en-IE | quote = In April he [Nick Delehanty] was at a large anti-immigrant protest in Dublin, which was attended by presidency rival Conor McGregor and neo-Nazi Justin Barrett (see The Phoenix 1/5/25) }}</ref> and associated with Neo-Nazi groups since 2002,<ref name="independent2002"/><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.thejournal.ie/who-are-the-national-party-ireland-6128153-Jul2023/ | work = thejournal.ie | publisher = Journal Media Ltd | title = Green, white nationalist and gold: Who exactly are the National Party? | first = Stephen | last = McDermott | date = 25 July 2023 | accessdate = 15 August 2025 | quote = According to the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, Barrett began associating with neo-Nazi groups around the same time [early 2000s] }}</ref> Barrett has publicly quoted Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf,<ref name="gold" /> performed Nazi salutes,<ref name="tout" /> engaged in Holocaust denial,<ref name="thephoenix">{{Citation |date=2024-05-02 |work=The Phoenix |title=Justin Barrett lays down the law |url=https://www.thephoenix.ie/article/justin-barrett-lays-down-the-law-james-reynolds/ |access-date=2025-06-29 |language=en-GB}}</ref> and in 2023, appeared at an anti-immigration protest wearing a Nazi uniform.<ref name="thephoenix2023"/> In 2024, he praised Hitler as "the greatest leader of all time".<ref name="hail" /> Barrett's wife has also described the two as being national socialists.<ref name="tweetFeb2025">{{Cite tweet |user=RebBarrettNP |number=1888685191499235337 |title= My husband @BarrettNatP explaining why we are Irish National Socialists | date = 9 February 2025 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20250209202334/https://twitter.com/RebBarrettNP/status/1888685191499235337 | archivedate = 9 February 2025 }}</ref>
A statement on the National Party's website in July 2023 stated he had been removed as leader and was replaced by James Reynolds. Barrett has denied being ousted from the National Party.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Justin Barrett denies being ousted as National Party leader |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2023/07/31/justin-barrett-denies-being-ousted-as-national-party-leader/ |access-date=17 September 2023 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref> However, his ousting was confirmed by the Electoral Commission in September 2025.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2025-09-19 |title=Justin Barrett loses appeal against changes to National Party entry on official register |url=https://www.sundayworld.com/news/irish-news/justin-barrett-loses-appeal-against-changes-to-national-party-entry-on-official-register/a1575082940.html |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=SundayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref> As of April 2024, he was the leader of an unregistered political group called ''Clann Éireann''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clann Eireann – Latest |url=https://clanneireann.ie/latest-blog/ | website = clanneireann.ie | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240421214437/https://clanneireann.ie/latest-blog/ |archive-date=21 April 2024 |language=en-IE}}</ref>
==Early life== Barrett was born in Cork city in 1971 and was adopted when he was five years old by a family in Borrisokane, County Tipperary. Slevin was his adopted parents' name. He identified as Justin Slevin for a period but eventually settled on Barrett, his biological parents' name.<ref name=bigboys /> Barrett began a course in Business Studies at Athlone RTC, but dropped out in 1992 to become involved in anti-abortion activism in response to the X-Case judgement.<ref name=":0" /> In 1991, he appeared before a district court for shoplifting a pair of shoes from Dunnes Stores in Athlone.<ref name="shoplifting">{{Cite news |date=24 May 1991 |title=Shoplifting charge struck out |work=Westmeath Independent}}</ref>
==Political activism== ===Early activism (1987–1991)=== In 1991, he was involved in Young Fine Gael<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Nenagh Guardian|date=16 March 1991|page=2|title=Borrisokane Branch Young Fine Gael|quote=The following officers were then elected for the coming year ... P.R.O.: Justin Slevin, Gortnagraun, Borrisokane}}</ref> but left because of what he called the cynicism of the party.<ref name=bigboys/>
===Youth Defence (1992–2004)=== From 1992 he became actively involved in the Irish anti-abortion movement, becoming the leader of Youth Defence.<ref name="examinerJan2010">{{cite news |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/irish-far-right-groups-remain-on-the-margins-of-political-life-109464.html|title=Irish far right groups remain on the margins of political life |last=Millar |first=Scott |date=12 January 2010 |newspaper=Irish Examiner |quote=...former Youth Defence leader, Justin Barrett.}}</ref><ref name=Analysis2001>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/the-man-wired-to-fight-abortion-510801.html |title=The man wired to fight abortion |last=Killilea |first=Gayle |date=7 October 2001 |newspaper=Independent.ie |quote=...Justin Barrett, Youth Defence's chief spokesman and mastermind.}}</ref><ref name="sundayindoMay2004">{{cite news|newspaper=Sunday Independent|date=16 May 2004|page=117|title=Confessions of a Polcorr|quote=Fianna Fail researchers also dug up information about the Youth Defence leader Justin Barrett's trips to neo-Nazi events in Germany|first=Katie|last=Hannon}}</ref><ref name="indoAug2009">{{cite news|newspaper=Irish Independent|date=21 August 2009|page=12|first=Aideen|last=Sheehan|title=Treaty opponent no stranger to politics|quote=Mr Reynolds has also strongly backed the pro-life cause, and he was closely associated with Youth Defence leader Justin Barrett|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/treaty-opponent-no-stranger-to-politics-26560034.html}}</ref> As a student in Athlone RTC he unsuccessfully contested the election for the Presidency of Union of Students in Ireland. During the 1995 divorce referendum, he was spokesman for the Youth Against Divorce campaign. In later years, Barrett himself sought a divorce in 2016.<ref name="thetimes2017">{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/barrett-denies-hypocrisy-over-divorce-u-turn-ppqh60lgf|first=Colin|last=Coyle|newspaper=The Sunday Times|date=7 May 2017|title=Barrett denies hypocrisy over divorce U-turn}}{{subscription required}}</ref>
In April 1999, Barrett and seven other Youth Defence members were convicted of public order offences for a protest described at the time as a "mini-riot" outside the Adelaide Hospital that had taken place on 16 May 1998. Despite requests from hospital staff, the son of a dying woman and Gardaí to be quiet, a Youth Defence protest outside the hospital got louder and lead to "pandemonium" when Gardaí intervened.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/youth-defence-unrepentant-as-eight-convicted-26153253.html|title=Youth Defence unrepentant as eight convicted|last=Healy|first=Tim|work=Irish Independent|date=15 April 1999|access-date=14 October 2019}}</ref> Some of the convictions were successfully appealed, two years later, and while Barrett's appeal was disallowed, he was given the benefit of the Probation Act, meaning no criminal conviction was recorded against him.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/abortion-demo-six-overturn-convictions-26113478.html|title=Abortion demo six overturn convictions|last=Managh|first=Ray|work=Irish Independent|date=11 July 2000|access-date=23 November 2020}}</ref>
He was also involved in the campaign against the 2002 abortion referendum. He left Youth Defence in 2004 because he thought their methods of campaigning and interacting with people were becoming increasingly extreme and counterproductive.<ref name="npfaq">{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalparty.ie/faq/|title=Frequently Asked Questions|publisher=The National Party|access-date=30 November 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130202913/http://www.nationalparty.ie/faq/|archive-date=30 November 2016}}</ref> By 2016, Youth Defence were claiming to have never heard of Justin Barrett, or ever to have had any dealing with him.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/the-national-party-merrion-hotel-3084352-Nov2016/|newspaper=TheJournal.ie|title=Dublin hotel cancels launch of new extreme right-wing party which had been planned for tomorrow|quote=a call was placed to pro-life organisation Youth Defence with whom he had previously worked. However the spokesperson who replied said they had never heard of Barrett, nor had had any dealings with him.|date=16 November 2016|access-date=7 February 2017}}</ref>
===No to Nice Campaign=== In 2001, a referendum was held in Ireland to approve the Treaty of Nice. However the Treaty of Nice was rejected by 54% of the Irish people in what is known as the Nice I referendum. The following year a second referendum was held on the Treaty of Nice, known as the Nice II referendum. Justin Barrett campaigned against the Nice Treaty in both referendums. Barrett, then 31 years-old, established the No to Nice campaign with Rory O'Hanlon, a retired High Court judge.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/unsorted/features/the-persuaders-26030780.html|title=The Persuaders|date=12 October 2002|access-date=10 October 2017|newspaper=Irish Independent}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/the-man-wired-to-fight-abortion-26251153.html|title=The man wired to fight abortion|newspaper=Irish Independent|date=7 October 2001|access-date=19 October 2016}}</ref>
During the second Nice campaign, Barrett became the centre of a controversy over his participation in neo-fascist events in Germany and Italy. Barrett initially denied, and subsequently admitted that he had spoken at an event organised by the NPD,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/barrett-admits-attending-far-right-party-meetings-in-italy-germany-1.1098920|title=Barrett admits attending far-right party meetings in Italy, Germany|newspaper=Irish Times|date=12 October 2002|first=Deaglan|last=De Breadun|quote=The chief spokesman of the No to Nice Campaign, Mr Justin Barrett, has admitted speaking at a meeting of the far-right Forza Nuova party in Milan but says he did not know it was widely regarded as a neo-fascist organisation.|page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/campaigners-on-both-sides-of-treaty-lash-out-at-barrett-289022.html |title=Campaigners on both sides of treaty lash out at Barrett|newspaper=Irish Independent|last=Donaghy|first=Kathy|date=12 October 2002|access-date=13 December 2012}}</ref> a far right, ultranationalist political party. Justin Barrett stated that he spoke at these events in an anti-abortion capacity on behalf on the Youth Defence Organisation.<ref name="npfaq" />
===2004 European Parliament election=== In 2004 Barrett announced his independent candidacy for the European Parliament election of the same year for the East constituency. He set up his headquarters in Drogheda, an area which had experienced a large influx of non-nationals.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/regionals/droghedaindependent/news/politicians-united-in-oppositionto-barrett-27106705.html|title=Politicians united in oppositionto Barrett|date=14 May 2004|access-date=10 October 2017}}</ref> Gerry McGeough, a former Provisional IRA volunteer and Sinn Féin national executive member, defected to Barrett's campaign.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/ira-man-defects-from-sf-to-euro-hopeful-barrett-26220993.html|title=IRA man defects from SF to Euro hopeful Barrett|last1=Williams|first1=Eoghan|date=23 May 2004|access-date=10 October 2017|work=Irish Independent}}</ref> Barrett also supported the Citizenship referendum which was held on the same day as the European Parliament election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/barrett-confirms-he-intends-to-run-for-europe-1.977837|title=Barrett confirms he intends to run for Europe|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=29 April 2004|access-date=11 October 2017}}</ref>
Barrett's campaign focused on immigration, Euroscepticism and abortion. Barrett employed nationalist rhetoric during his campaign and stated his intention to "put Ireland first" in the European Parliament.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/unsorted/features/justin-barrett-independent-25915482.html|title=Justin Barrett (Independent)|date=22 May 2004|access-date=10 October 2017|work=Irish Independent}}</ref> Barrett campaigned alongside his wife at the time Bernadette and their son Michael.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/rumours-of-avrils-demise-were-a-little-premature-25910600.html|title=Rumours of Avril's demise were a little premature|last1=Sheehan|first1=Aideen|date=15 June 2004|access-date=10 October 2017}}</ref>
He achieved 10,997 first preference votes or 2.4% of the total vote in the East constituency and failed to be elected.
Later that year, while attending an immigration debate at University College Dublin's Literary & Historical Society, Barrett was assaulted by attendees allegedly belonging to an Irish anti-fascist group. The debate was chaired by popular RTÉ radio presenter Joe Duffy, and featured Áine Ní Chonaill of Immigration Control Platform.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=67030|title=Justin Barrett 'Attacked' while attending UCD debate|publisher=Indymedia Ireland|date=14 October 2004|access-date=16 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/barrett-to-decide-action-over-assault-at-ucd-1.1161968|title=Barrett to decide action over assault at UCD|last=Holland|first=Kitty|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=15 October 2004|access-date=9 May 2017}}</ref>
===National Party (2016–2023)=== [[File:Justin Barrett and Gemma O'Doherty (2019).jpg|thumb|Barrett being interviewed by Gemma O'Doherty in 2019]] [[File:Freedom of Speech Protest (48325467317).jpg|thumb|Barrett delivering a protest speech outside Google's European headquarters in Dublin in 2019]] In a press release in November 2016, Justin Barrett announced that he was President of the newly founded National Party, a political party that would oppose multi-culturalism and abortion. While Barrett had previously promoted the idea of a "Catholic republic",<ref name=Leahy/> the National Party states that it is a secular party.<ref name="npfaq" /> The party was due to be publicly launched in a press event on 17 November 2016 at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin. However, after a public backlash, the hotel cancelled the event.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/the-national-party-merrion-hotel-3084352-Nov2016/|newspaper=TheJournal.ie|title=An extreme right-wing party is planning to launch itself in Dublin tomorrow|first=Cianan|last=Brennan|date=16 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="Merrion">{{cite news|last1=D'Arcy|first1=Ciarán|title=Merrion Hotel cancels launch of anti-immigration political party|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/merrion-hotel-cancels-launch-of-anti-immigration-political-party-1.2870264|access-date=17 November 2016|work=Irish Times|date=17 November 2016|quote=The Merrion Hotel in Dublin has cancelled an "information meeting" on an anti-immigration and anti-abortion political party for Ireland which was due to be staged there. The National Party had circulated a short press release earlier this week informing the media of an event due to take place at the five-star hotel}}</ref><ref name=Leahy>{{cite news|last1=Leahy|first1=Pat|title=National Party leader espouses creation of 'Catholic republic'|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/national-party-leader-espouses-creation-of-catholic-republic-1.2870955|access-date=17 November 2016|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=17 November 2016|quote=A former activist with the militant anti-abortion group Youth Defence, Justin Barrett … He is described as the president of the National Party, whose nine principles espouse a nationalist, anti-abortion, anti-EU, anti-immigration platform.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Larkin|first1=Laura|title=Far-right party's launch is cancelled|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/farright-partys-launch-is-cancelled-35222497.html|access-date=17 November 2016|work=Irish Independent|date=17 November 2016|quote=The new National Party were due to unveil their party to the media in the Merrion Hotel. However, following a public outcry online, the hotel postponed the event.}}</ref> Barrett called for a complete ban on Muslims entering Ireland and for the introduction of racial profiling.<ref name="IT20161118">{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/ireland-s-national-party-in-favour-of-racial-profiling-says-leader-1.2873485|title=Ireland's National Party in favour of racial profiling, says leader|last=Clarke|first=Vivienne|date=18 November 2016|newspaper=The Irish Times|quote=Justin Barrett says there needs to be complete ban on Muslims coming into the country}}</ref> The party formally registered in early April 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.irisoifigiuil.ie/currentissues/Ir050419.pdf|title=Iris Oifigiúil - Number 28 - Friday, 5th April, 2019|date=5 April 2019|website=irisoifigiuil.ie|publisher=Government Publications Office|quote=I propose to approve the application for registration in the Register of Political Parties of 'The National Party – An Páirtí Náisiúnta' [.signed.] Registrar of Political Parties 5 April 2019}}</ref> Barrett has stated that the party is "only for straight Irish people".<ref name="slur" />
While a Eurosceptic, Barrett does not advocate leaving the European Union ("Irexit"). Quoted in August 2019, Barrett reputedly believes that Ireland could have entered bilateral negotiations with the United Kingdom immediately after the Brexit referendum in 2016 and agreed to a separate deal with the British and then to have the EU accept that deal as part of their own negotiations with the British government. He criticised the Irish government and by extension the European Union's handling of Brexit.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/irish-party-says-bilateral-talks-with-uk-coul-687525.html|title=Irish Party Says Bilateral Talks With UK Could Have Averted Major Brexit Shocks|last=Jamshaid|first=Umer|date=9 August 2019|work=UrduPoint|access-date=3 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/eu-attempt-to-push-no-deal-brexit-makes-irela-687464.html|title=EU Attempt To Push No-Deal Brexit Makes Ireland 'Collateral Damage' - Irish Party|last=Hashmi|first=Faizan|date=9 August 2019|work=UrduPoint|access-date=3 October 2019}}</ref> In September 2019, Barrett was milkshaked in Galway at a National Party protest.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=ash |user=StevieNicksTD |number=1177665460449484800 |date=27 September 2019 |title=Start your weekend off right with this video of Justin Barrett covered in milkshake. Fascist scum off our streets ✊ https://t.co/IcGz8P0mM6 |language=en |access-date=30 August 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishpost.com/news/irish-far-right-national-party-politician-doused-milkshake-speech-galway-171897|title=Irish far-right National Party leader doused with milkshake during event in Galway|last=O'Connor|first=Rachael|work=Irish Post|date=30 September 2019|access-date=21 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = https://www.thetimes.com/article/threats-against-student-who-threw-milkshake-at-far-right-leader-xht2rhdks | work = The Times | title = Threats against student who threw milkshake at far-right leader |date=1 October 2019 |access-date=1 February 2020 | last1 = Haugh | first1 = Ben }}</ref> In October 2019 he addressed a community meeting in his hometown of Borrisokane on plans to open up a direct provision centre for 80 asylum seekers. An edited, audio-only version of his speech was played on the ''Claire Byrne Live'' show on RTÉ One.<ref name="barrett-claire-byrne-live-tv">{{cite web |title=Justin Barrett aired on Claire Byrne Live - Direct Provision Discussion (04Nov19) | website=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwaDSfoAVMY |access-date=14 December 2019}}</ref><ref name="claire-byrne-rte-news">{{cite web |last1=Byrne |first1=Claire |title=Have we forgotten how the Irish used to be treated abroad? |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/claire-byrne-live/2019/1101/1088136-claire-byrne-asylum-seekers/ |website=rte.ie |date=2 November 2019 |publisher=RTÉ News |access-date=14 December 2019}}</ref><ref name="irish-times-borrisokane">{{cite news |last1=O'Connell |first1=Jennifer |title=The Tipperary town that changed its mind on asylum seekers |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/the-tipperary-town-that-changed-its-mind-on-asylum-seekers-1.4062528 |access-date=14 December 2019 |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=25 October 2019}}</ref><ref name="national-party-borrisokane">{{cite AV media |date=18 October 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNlpcrAjLLo |title=Justin Barrett - "Can the people of Borrisokane say No?" |publisher=The National Party — An Páirtí Náisiúnta |via=YouTube |access-date=30 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111231914/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNlpcrAjLLo |archive-date=11 January 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
As leader of the party, Barrett led the National Party to a total of 4,773 votes (0.2%) in the 2020 Irish general election, failing to win any seats.
In mid-July 2023, the National Party reportedly issued a statement saying Barrett had been removed as president of the party. Barrett disputed this and claims to still lead the party. Following his purported removal, he reported two senior members to the Gardaí for allegedly removing €400,000 worth of gold owned by the party from a vault in Dublin 4.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hosford |first=Paul |date=31 July 2023 |title=National Party: Justin Barrett removed as president before movement of gold |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41195050.html |access-date=2 August 2023 |website=Irish Examiner |language=en}}</ref>
====National Party leadership dispute and formation of Clann Éireann breakaway group==== In late September 2023, James Reynolds, who also claims the leadership of the party, released a statement via the official party website outlining reasons for Barrett's alleged dismissal, which highlighted his "immense character flaws, outrageous decisions, and lack of interest in serious political activities" as well as having "no medium or long-term vision apart from a fanciful belief in an impending economic Armageddon which would inexplicably propel the National Party to power".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=James |date=28 September 2023 |title=Why the National Party needed New Leadership – James Reynolds|url=https://nationalparty.ie/new-leadership-james-reynolds/ |website=The National Party |language=en}}</ref> He was also accused of theft by other members of the National Party, who accused him of having "sticky fingers" and of using party funds for personal purposes.<ref>{{Cite web | date=2023-09-28 |title=Why the National Party needed New Leadership - James Reynolds |url=https://nationalparty.ie/new-leadership-james-reynolds/ |access-date=2025-06-08 |website=The National Party |language=en-IE}}</ref> The Electoral Commission found no evidence of criminality by his opponents or evidence that an AGM held in 2024 to remove him had been "rigged" or that there was any "coup". The Electoral Commission confirmed his removal in September 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Power |first=Annmarie |date=2025-09-19 |title=Appeal Related to The National Party Concluded |url=https://www.electoralcommission.ie/latest-news-and-research/appeal-related-to-the-national-party-concluded-2/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Electoral Commission |language=en-US}}</ref>
In April 2024, Barrett announced that he had formed a new organisation called 'Clann Éireann' (Irish for 'Family Ireland'). He insisted it was not a political party, and that he had not conceded the leadership of the National Party to Reynolds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Message from Ár gCeannaire – Clann Eireann |url=https://clanneireann.ie/a-message-from-ar-gceannaire/ |access-date=23 April 2024|language=en}}</ref> He used the organisation to attack the Reynolds-led faction within the National Party, and rallied support for his side in the leadership dispute.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Birth of Clann Éireann – Clann Eireann |url=https://clanneireann.ie/the-birth-of-clann-eireann/ |access-date=23 April 2024|language=en}}</ref> An article from the Irish Times in July 2024, said that Clann Éireann is believed to have less than 20 members.<ref>{{Cite web |title=It's going to be a power struggle: the Irish right-wing extremists preparing for violence |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2024/07/20/its-going-to-be-a-power-struggle-the-irish-right-wing-extremists-preparing-for-violence/ |access-date=2025-07-10 |website=The Irish Times |language=en | quote = Gardaí responsible for monitoring extremist activity are aware of both CnG and Clann Éireann. However, they are of the view that they currently pose little threat and that their membership remains small. Barrett's organisation comprises fewer than 20 members, including his wife, according to one source }}</ref>
===2018 Irish abortion referendum=== Barrett founded Abortion Never as a No campaign in March 2018 to contest the Irish abortion referendum, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/yes-and-no-campaigners-register-as-third-parties-with-watchdog-1.3471743?mode=sample&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/yes-and-no-campaigners-register-as-third-parties-with-watchdog-1.3471743|title=Yes and No campaigners register as 'third parties' with watchdog|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=14 May 2018|language=en}}</ref> Abortion Never presents itself as "an Irish nationalist anti-abortion campaign".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abortionnever.ie/|title=Abortion Never - Abortion Never|website=Abortion Never|language=en-US|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref> At the launch of the campaign, Barrett stated that if the abortion referendum passed, it would lead to euthanasia for the elderly; "It doesn’t just begin with abortion and stop there. It ends in euthanasia, because they already have a plan. You see discussions in the newspapers sometimes, ‘What are we going to do about the pensions crisis?’".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/you-re-next-if-law-repealed-far-right-tells-elderly-b88qj0wn6|title=You're next if abortion law repealed, far-right tells elderly|last=Coyne|first=Ellen|date=21 March 2018|work=The Times|access-date=26 March 2018|language=en|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> At the same event, he called for the abortion referendum campaign to be "as divisive as possible".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailyedge.ie/jim-jefferies-abortion-sketch-3977137-Apr2018/|title=An Australian comedian made an Irish anti-abortion campaigner travel to the UK to interview him about abortion|last=O'Neill|first=Rachel|work=The Daily Edge|access-date=14 May 2018|language=en}}</ref> Ultimately, the referendum was approved by 66.4% of voters, with a 64.1% turnout.<ref>{{Cite web|title=RTÉ News - Live results of the referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment|website = rte.ie | url=https://www.rte.ie/news/eighth-amendment/results/|language=en}}</ref>
In April 2018, Jim Jefferies featured Barrett on a segment of The Jim Jefferies Show. Jefferies had Barrett travel to London for an interview on abortion (despite already being in Ireland to interview Tara Flynn), "so he could endure the same kind of bullshit every Irish woman has to go through if they want an abortion".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyedge.ie/jim-jefferies-abortion-sketch-3977137-Apr2018/|title=An Australian comedian made an Irish anti-abortion campaigner travel to the UK to interview him about abortion|work=The Daily Edge|date=25 April 2018|access-date=27 May 2018}}</ref>
===2021 Dublin Bay South by-election=== In June 2021, he announced he would be running for public office for the first time as leader of the National Party, in the 2021 Dublin Bay South by-election, caused by the resignation of Eoghan Murphy. Using the campaign slogan "Right So Far", he finished 11th of 15 candidates, gaining 0.68% of first-preferences, with 183 votes. He was eliminated on the third count.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/elections/dublin-bay-south-byelection|title=Dublin Bay South by-election|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=9 July 2021}}</ref> The seat went to Ivana Bacik of the Labour Party.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/elections/dublin-bay-south-byelection|title=By-Election: Dublin Bay South Results|publisher=The Irish Times|date=9 July 2021|access-date=10 July 2021}}</ref>
===2024 European Parliament election=== Barrett was a National Party candidate for the Midlands–North-West constituency at the 2024 European Parliament election,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nominations for European Election|url=https://galwayreturningofficer.com/european-and-local-elections-2024/nominations_euro_2024|access-date=27 April 2024|website=Returning Officer for County Galway|archive-date=23 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423162338/https://galwayreturningofficer.com/european-and-local-elections-2024/nominations_euro_2024|url-status=dead}}</ref> in which he received 4,086 (0.6%) first preference votes, and was eliminated on the sixth count.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/elections-2024/results/#/european/midlands-north-west|title=European Elections: Midlands North-West|work=RTÉ News |access-date=15 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title = European Election:Midlands-North-West results - The Irish Times|url = https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/09/european-election-midlands-north-west-constituency-results/|newspaper = The Irish Times|access-date = 10 May 2025}}</ref> His wife, Rebecca Barrett, ran as a National Party candidate in the Dublin constituency, which also included Patrick Quinlan (deputy leader of the Reynolds faction).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Election Agents for European Election - Constituency of Dublin - June 2024 |url=https://dublincountyreturningofficer.com/index.php/2024-european-and-local-elections/130-election-agents-for-european-election |access-date=10 May 2025 |website=Dublin County Returning Officer }}</ref> Neither were successful.
==Publications== Barrett self-published a book in 1998 in which he set out his political principles and advocated the creation of a "Catholic Republic".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/book-rails-against-whole-rotten-cabal-of-the-left-1.359243|publisher=The Irish Times|website=irishtimes.com|title=Book rails against 'whole rotten cabal of the left'|date=17 May 2003|access-date=18 June 2019|quote=''Mr Barrett printed The National Way Forward in 1998 and said he will sell it directly from his home in Co Longford for €12 a copy''}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/justin-barrett-national-party-3089289-Nov2016/|publisher=Journal Media|website=thejournal.ie|title=Who is National Party leader Justin Barrett?|date=18 November 2016|access-date=19 June 2019|quote=''He also wrote a book called The National Way Forward, which advocated the creation of a "Catholic Republic" which would greatly restrict immigration and put a total ban on abortion''}}</ref> Entitled ''The National Way Forward!'', in its text he described immigration as "genocidal", and cited Hilaire Belloc, G. K. Chesterton and Arthur Penty as having been influential figures in his philosophical development.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archives.tcm.ie/businesspost/2003/06/15/story755617905.asp|title=Way forward is a huge, hysterical step back|newspaper=Sunday Business Post|date=15 June 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031013013604/http://archives.tcm.ie/businesspost/2003/06/15/story755617905.asp|archive-date=13 October 2003|access-date=16 November 2016|first=Martin|last=Mackin}}</ref><ref name="times-barrett">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/ireland/article1133410.ece|title=Abortion fighter turns his sights on immigration|first=Scott|last=Millar|newspaper=The Times|date=18 May 2009|access-date=14 May 2009}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{subscription required}}</ref> He also promoted the work of Father Denis Fahey.<ref name="times-barrett"/> During the 2002 Nice Treaty referendum campaign, some of the ideologies in Barrett's 1998 book ''The National Way Forward!'' were queried by those advocating a "yes" vote,<ref>{{cite web |date=14 October 2002 |title=Barrett backtracks over book controversy |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/barrett-backtracks-over-book-controversy-26030883.html |access-date=18 June 2019 |publisher=Independent News & Media}}</ref> and it was noted that the book had "mysteriously disappeared from bookshelves during the campaign".<ref name="ahernboost">{{cite web |date=13 October 2002 |title=Anti-Nice campaigner's dark secret boosts Ahern's chances |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/oct/13/eu.thefarright |access-date=18 June 2019 |website=The Guardian |quote=''The revelations have shifted public focus away from the incompetence and corruption of Bertie Ahern's government [..and..] let them off the hook. [..] Dick Roche, the party's Minister of European Affairs, has challenged Barrett to produce a book he wrote called The National Way Forward, which mysteriously disappeared from bookshelves during the campaign. [..] Seizing on the Barrett controversy, Gerry Claffey, spokesman for the [Irish Green Party supporters'] group, said: 'We believe that foreign far-right groups view a No vote as an opportunity to damage democracy and international co-operation [..]' ''}}</ref> Some commentators suggested that the "Barrett controversy" had shifted focus away from other issues and assisted the "yes" campaign.<ref name="ahernboost" />
==Controversies== ===Interactions with neo-Nazi and neo-fascist groups=== ====National Democratic Party of Germany==== Barrett spoke at events organised by the neo-Nazi National Democratic Party of Germany (NPD) several times, and was the guest of honour at a NPD rally in Passau, Germany in 2000, in which anti-semitic speeches, peppered with quotes from Adolf Hitler were given, alongside claims that "Germany was the biggest victim of the second World War", and at which hundreds of skinheads gave standing ovations to elderly Nazis.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/far-right-rally-had-welcome-for-irish-no-activist-1.1098691|title=Far-right rally had welcome for Irish No activist|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=11 October 2002|first=Derek|last=Scully|page=11|quote=Brown shirts and skinheads, elderly Nazi heroes with memories of the good old days... and Justin Barrett, honoured guest from Ireland. Derek Scally reports from Berlin on the German extreme right group and the No to Nice campaigner}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Irish Times|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/barrett-admits-he-attended-far-right-meeting-1.1098970|date=12 October 2002|page=9|first=Joe|last=Humphreys|title=Barrett admits he attended far-right meeting|quote=Mr Barrett, who earlier this week declined to confirm or deny to The Irish Times his attendance at the meeting in the Bavarian city of Passau in May 2000, yesterday admitted he attended the conference, as well as an estimated two other events linked to the NPD.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Irish Times|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/extreme-right-group-confirms-barrett-link-1.1098654|title=Extreme-right group confirms Barrett link|date=11 October 2002|page=1|quote="Justin Barrett was an honorary guest at our event in Passau. I invited him. He sat with the delegates," said Mr Holger Apfel, the deputy leader of the NPD. "We have been in contact with his group since 1996. We are friendly with his Youth Defence organisation."|first=Derek|last=Scully}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Irish Independent|date=25 May 2004|title=Barrett campaign to go full term despite poll|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/barrett-campaign-to-go-full-term-despite-poll-25915728.html|page=6|quote=Mr Barrett (33) became caught up in controversy during the Nice Treaty campaign when it was revealed that he had close contact with an extreme right-wing party in Germany. Authorities there believed the party displayed "Nazi characteristics""}}</ref><ref name="independent2002">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/irish-no-spokesman-tied-to-neo-nazis-139799.html|title=Irish 'no' spokesman tied to neo-Nazis|newspaper=The Independent|date=12 October 2002|first=David|last=McKittrick|quote=Justin Barrett, who fronts the "No to Nice Campaign," was said to have attended a fascist-style rally mounted by a party that German authorities believe has "Nazi characteristics". }}</ref> The NPD confirmed that they had been in contact with Youth Defence for at least 6 years before.
{{Blockquote|text=Justin Barrett was an honorary guest at our event in Passau. I invited him. He sat with the delegates. We have been in contact with his group since 1996. We are friendly with his Youth Defence organisation.|author=Holger Apfel, then deputy leader of the NPD}}
He attended two conferences, in October 1999 and 2000, organised by the youth wing of the NPD, the ''Junge Nationalisten'' (JN), alongside American white nationalist William Luther Pierce. The JN has spoken about how Youth Defence were an important part of their network.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/neo-nazis-affirm-links-with-youth-defence-1.1098966|title='Neo-Nazis' affirm links with Youth Defence|first=Derek|last=Scully|date=12 October 2002|newspaper=The Irish Times|page=9|quote=A leading far-right politician in Germany has described the anti-abortion group Youth Defence as "an important part of our international network". Youth Defence is the backbone of the No to Nice Campaign, whose chief spokesman is Mr Justin Barrett.}}</ref>
{{Blockquote|text=Of particular attraction was the participation of... the leader of the National Alliance from the USA, Dr William Pierce and, last but not least, the leader of a noteworthy Irish anti-abortion group, Justin Barret (sic) from Youth Defense (sic).|source=Young National Democrats (JN) report on the 1999 conference}}The National Party and Barrett have stated that he addressed meetings all across Europe in his capacity as an anti-abortion speaker. He has stated that he regrets "not being more careful" regarding his attendance of events held by the NPD in Germany.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nationalparty.ie/faq/|title=National Party Q&A|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130202913/http://www.nationalparty.ie/faq/|archive-date=30 November 2016}}</ref>{{Blockquote|A leading far-right politician in Germany has described the anti-abortion group Youth Defence as "an important part of our international network". Youth Defence is the backbone of the No to Nice Campaign, whose chief spokesman is Mr Justin Barrett. ... Mr Sascha Rossmüller, leader of the Young National Democrats (JN), youth wing of the extremist National Democratic Party (NPD), told The Irish Times: "share many important interests." The German authorities say the JN began to take on neo-Nazi characteristics in 1996.}}
====Forza Nuova (Italy)==== In June 2001, the website of neo-Fascist group Forza Nuova reported that Barrett had attended a number of their events in Italy (in Milan, and Bologna).<ref name="forzanuova-website-18june2001">{{cite web|trans-title=Welcome to the official website of Forza Nuova|title=Benvenuti al sito ufficiale di Forzanuova|language=it|archive-date=18 June 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010618054430/http://www.forzanuova.org/|url=http://www.forzanuova.org/|quote=Justin Barret leader di Youth Defence, il movimento antiabortista irlandese, che e' stato presente di persona ripetutamente a convegni e manifestazioni di Forza Nuova (Milano, Bologna...).}}</ref> He attended and spoke at a Forza Nuova meeting in Milan in November 2002. He shared a platform with Roberto Fiore at a rally of Italian fascists at the Hotel Miramar on 20 and 21 July 2001, in the Italian city of Civitanova Marche. At the rally, Barrett was joined by Mario Di Giovanni, Youth Defence's representative in Italy. A group of Forza Nuova students, led by the then 25-year-old Marco Gladi, visited Ireland in 2001 to "study" with Youth Defence. In an editorial on the Forza Nuova website, the movement calls itself a "friend" of Barrett and praises his efforts to defeat the Nice Treaty.<ref name="sundaymirror">{{cite news|newspaper=Sunday Mirror |date=29 September 2002 |title=Fascist Link of 'No to Nice' Chief |first=Francis |last=O'Donnell |url=http://www.indymedia.ie/article/13470 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161119185154/http://www.indymedia.ie/article/13470 |archive-date=19 November 2016 |access-date=19 November 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|page=31|date=12 October 2002|newspaper=Irish Independent|title=The Persuaders|quote=The Sunday Mirror reported last month that Justin Barrett had attended rallies of ulta-nationalist organisations in Germany and Italy}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Irish Times|quote=The story originally surfaced in a Sunday Mirror report drawn from left-wing and anti-fascist sources. Despite a threat of legal action from Mr Barrett's solicitors, The Irish Times succeeded in confirming, without any assistance or prompting from Fianna Fáil, that he had indeed attended meetings of the far-right National Democratic Party (NPD) in Germany and Forza Nuova in Italy.|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/business-the-parties-fitzgerald-and-forum-all-played-key-roles-1.1100842|title=Business, the parties, FitzGerald and forum all played key roles|date=21 October 2002|page=4|first=Deaglán|last=de Bréadún}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://fc.retecivica.milano.it/rcmweb/ilmondoaduevoci/Il%20mondo%20a%20Due%20Voci/la%20Destra%20e%20l%27Europa/Documenti/Estremismi/La%20galassia%20dell%27estrema%20destra/Forza%20Nuova/S0265F142-03283616?WasRead=1|date=5 July 2001|language=it|quote=Friday July 20 conference on The powers and freedoms of peoples at the Hotel D'Azeglio in Via Nazionale in Rome. Speakers Mario Di Giovanni, Gianni Correggiari, Giacinto Auriti, Roberto Fiore. Confirmed the participation of Justin Barrett, Secretary of the Irish Youth Defence and main promoter of the victorious initiatives for NO the referendum on the Nice Treaty. Beginning at 15:00. Saturday, July 21 at 17:30 at the Hotel Miramare Civitanova Marche (MC) held 'a lecture entitled "Survey on globalism and the powers that be. Speakers: Mario Di Giovanni, Justin Barrett (Youth Defence) Gianni Correggiari|title=F.N.: Bollettino 04.07.2001|access-date=27 October 2016|archive-date=27 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027131432/http://fc.retecivica.milano.it/rcmweb/ilmondoaduevoci/Il%20mondo%20a%20Due%20Voci/la%20Destra%20e%20l%27Europa/Documenti/Estremismi/La%20galassia%20dell%27estrema%20destra/Forza%20Nuova/S0265F142-03283616?WasRead=1|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{Blockquote|text=As part of the dirty war waged by "liberals" against "nationals", the greatest exponent of the nationalist front Justin Barrett, he was attacked in a press campaign of the kind to which we were accustomed us in the past. FN and NPD are, in the mind of the accusers, friends whose Barrett should be ashamed<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forzanuova.org/|language=it|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021016120937/http://www.forzanuova.org/|archive-date=16 October 2002|title=Forza Nuova homepage}}</ref>|author=Forza Nuova website in October 2002 }}
=== Homophobic remarks and activities === In 2017, during the party's first ard-fheis held at the Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Ireland, Barrett stated that the National Party was "only for straight Irish people" and defended perceived homophobic comments made by James Reynolds, causing guest speaker John Wilson to walk out of the event in protest.<ref name="slur" />
In 2020, Barrett was involved in the organisation of protests against the Minister for Children, Roderic O'Gorman, and attended these protests alongside members of the National Party. O'Gorman had been attacked by members of the Irish far-right on social media after his appointment as Minister for Children, due to tweeting a photo of himself with Peter Tatchell at a Dublin Pride parade in 2018. Tatchell had previously attracted controversy for statements made in 1997 regarding the age of consent laws in Britain. Tatchell later clarified these remarks, saying sex with children was impossible to condone. "This means I condemn it - I oppose adults having sex with children."<ref name="pollak">{{Cite news|last=Pollak|first=Sorcha|title=Minister for Children condemns 'homophobic' attacks from 'far-right'|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/minister-for-children-condemns-homophobic-attacks-from-far-right-1.4297259|access-date=9 June 2021|newspaper=The Irish Times|language=en}}</ref> During a protest, Barrett riled up the crowd against a group of anti-homophobia counter-protestors, causing attendees to rush at the smaller group of counter-protestors and resulting in Garda intervention.<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 July 2020|title=Scuffles outside Dail as far right campaigners protest against Roderic O'Gorman|url=https://gcn.ie/outside-dail-far-right-campaigners-roderic-ogorman/|access-date=9 June 2021|website=GCN|language=en}}</ref>
O'Gorman said that he was unaware of the views expressed by Tatchell 20 years previously, stating he "probably would have re-considered taking a photo with him" had he read the 1997 letter before the march. He continued, "I would have seen him primarily as an advocate for LGBT rights in the UK in the 1990s and 2002 but more recently particularly vocal on treatment of LGBT people in Russia and Chechnya."<ref name="pollak" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Curran|first=Ian|title='The Infodemic': Ireland's weak far-right hopes to gain from online conspiracies and misinformation|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/far-right-presence-ireland-covid-nationalists-5208949-Sep2020/|access-date=9 June 2021|website=TheJournal.ie|date=19 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref> While Barrett alleged that O'Gorman was a "paedophile apologist", O'Gorman has publicly stated his condemnation of paedophilia and stated that the accusations made against him were "rooted in homophobia".<ref name="pollak" />
=== Racist remarks === In a September 2019 video, Barrett stated that if his party were to gain power he would revoke the Irish citizenship of Green Party councillor and later Lord Mayor of Dublin, Hazel Chu. Chu was born in Dublin to immigrants from Hong Kong and lived in Ireland since birth. Barrett stated, "''She is an Irish citizen, I accept that, that is the law until we get the law in our own hands''".<ref>{{cite AV media |date=29 September 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQpDWURTOTI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/kQpDWURTOTI| archive-date=12 December 2021|url-status=live|title=Drunk Justin Barrett on stripping Irish Citizens of their Citizenship |publisher=Irish wolfhound |via=YouTube |access-date=30 August 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Rachel |date=30 September 2019 |title=Irish far-right National Party leader doused with milkshake during event in Galway |url=https://www.irishpost.com/news/irish-far-right-national-party-politician-doused-milkshake-speech-galway-171897 |work=Irish Post |access-date=13 April 2021}}</ref> Later, a Twitter account operated by Barrett's wife made disparaging and racist comments towards Chu. Chu, in response, stated that she refused to be intimidated by such tactics.<ref name="irishpostOConnor"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Birdy |first1=Estelle |title=Dublin Lord Mayor Hazel Chu Dealing With Racist Junk |url=https://www.nova.ie/dublin-lord-mayor-hazel-chu-dealing-with-racist-junk-184843/ |access-date=13 April 2021 |work=Radio Nova 100FM (Ireland) |date=5 November 2020}}</ref>
=== Court appearances === Barrett has been before the courts for a number of offences, including for directing threatening language against members of An Garda Síochána,<ref name="road" /> public order offences outside a hospital,<ref>{{Cite web |date=1999-04-07 |title=Dying patient had to endure pro-life demo |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/dying-patient-had-to-endure-pro-life-demo/26152523.html |access-date=2025-06-08 |website=Irish Independent |language=en}}</ref> and driving without a driving licence or car insurance.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Justin Barrett bailed on road traffic and threatening behaviour charges |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/district-court/justin-barrett-bailed-on-road-traffic-and-threatening-behaviour-charges-1.4691841 |access-date=2025-06-08 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref>
In January 2021, a car being driven by Barrett was seized by Gardaí after it emerged it had not been taxed since November 2019. Barrett was investigated by Gardaí for alleged road traffic offences and breach of COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Justin Barrett: Gardaí probing alleged breaches of Covid rules by National Party leader Justin Barrett|url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/gardai-probing-alleged-breachesof-covid-rules-by-national-party-leader-justin-barrett-40558924.html|access-date=25 June 2021|website=independent|date=20 June 2021 |language=en| quote = Justin Barrett [..] is facing criminal charges for allegedly breaching Covid regulations and road traffic offences }}</ref> In October 2021, in an appearance before Longford District Court, he was charged with driving without a licence or insurance, and with failing to produce both documents and an NCT certificate within ten days.<ref name=road>{{Cite news|title=Head of National Party Justin Barrett charged with road traffic and public order offences|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-40713956.html|last=Cosgrove|first=Liam|date=5 October 2021|access-date=5 October 2021|work=Irish Examiner}}</ref> Arising from the same incident, which occurred in Clonfin, County Longford, he was also accused of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour contrary to the Public Order Act.<ref name=road/> He remained silent at the hearing and his solicitor said that he was reserving his position and made a motion for the disclosure of prosecution evidence.<ref name=road/> The judge granted the order and remanded Barrett on bail until a sitting of Longford District Court on 23 November 2021.<ref name=road/>
===2023 Dublin riot=== {{main|2023 Dublin riot}} On 23 November he shared messages on Telegram that read "1000 people are already at the spire. All hands on deck. Defend our kids" and posted that "I want the storm to break loose!".<ref name=tj-dublin-riots-how-a-mob>{{Cite news |title=Dublin riots: How a mob in the capital turned to looting, arson and calls to kill |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/what-happened-during-the-dublin-riots-november-2023-6231746-Nov2023/ |last1=Ryan |first1=Órla |date=24 November 2023 |access-date=27 November 2023 |work=TheJournal.ie |last2=O'Connor |first2=Niall |last3=Raymond |first3=Shane |last4=Ryan |first4=Nicky}}</ref>
=== Pro-Hitler and pro-Nazi activities === In 2022, Barrett posted a quote from Adolf Hitler's ''Mein Kampf'' on his Telegram page.<ref name="gold">{{Cite news |title=The mystery of the far-right National Party's €400,000 gold: where could it have come from? |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2023/07/28/the-mystery-of-the-far-right-national-partys-400000-gold-where-could-it-have-come-from/ |access-date=17 September 2023 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref> His open admiration for Hitler led rival far-right leader Hermann Kelly to comment "Justin Barrett is a completely different animal, where the vast majority of people in the National Party had no interest in national socialism or a fetish about Adolf Hitler but Justin did and Justin Barrett was the one who was quoting Mein Kampf, which is very damaging".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chasing after fool's gold |date=2023-08-10 |url=https://www.thephoenix.ie/article/chasing-after-fools-gold-national-party/ |access-date=17 September 2023 |website=The Phoenix |language=en-GB}}</ref> He has also given Nazi salutes, for which he was condemned by James Reynolds.<ref name="tout">{{Cite web |date=20 October 2023|title=Justin Barrett is a 'tout' for going to gardai about gold bars, new party chief claims |url=https://www.sundayworld.com/news/irish-news/justin-barrett-is-a-tout-for-going-to-gardai-about-gold-bars-new-party-chief-claims/a1732588032.html |access-date=19 October 2023|website=SundayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref>
On 9 November 2023, Barrett appeared at an anti-immigration protest outside Leinster House wearing a Nazi SS uniform.<ref name="thephoenix2023">{{Cite web |title=Nazi regalia |date=2023-11-15 |url=https://www.thephoenix.ie/article/nazi-regalia/ |access-date=17 November 2023 |website=The Phoenix |language=en-GB}}</ref> When he attempted to give a speech, he was jeered. The ''Irish Examiner'' described it as "a not particularly well received speech".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brennan |first=Cianan |date=9 November 2023 |title=Latest angry protest outside Dáil more bizarre than intimidating |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41266606.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231109234731/https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41266606.html |archive-date=9 November 2023 |access-date=17 November 2023 |website=Irish Examiner |language=en}}</ref> He was denounced in a statement published by the National Party for engaging in a "pathetic publicity stunt" described as "an effort to discredit the protest and grab a headline for himself".<ref>{{Cite web |title=The National Party Facebook post - 10 November 2023 | url = https://www.facebook.com/AnPairtiNaisiunta/posts/pfbid02jLWwvrwaV3DgCKrhnCri7HqFjabxFx5zJJ93fQgLPjX2QBHQdPbsMQMbF2bq7qBtl |access-date=17 November 2023 |via=facebook.com}}</ref>
Barrett, who was described by ''The Phoenix'' as a Neo-Nazi in August 2024,<ref name=":1"/> described Hitler as the "greatest leader of all time" in September 2024.<ref name="hail">{{Cite web |date=2024-09-03 |title=Far-right agitator Justin Barrett hails Hitler as 'greatest leader of all time' |url=https://www.sundayworld.com/news/irish-news/far-right-agitator-justin-barrett-hails-hitler-as-greatest-leader-of-all-time/a2028588943.html |access-date=2024-09-03 |website=SundayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref> He reportedly dressed in "Hitler-style attire" during a demonstration in a Dublin park in September 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-14 |title=Former far-right leader dresses up as Hitler for speech in Dublin park |url=https://extra.ie/2025/09/14/news/far-right-dublin-park |access-date=2025-09-14 |language=en-IE}}</ref>
== Personal life == In 2004, Justin Barrett was married to Bernadette Barrett (née Carroll).<ref>{{cite web |title=Anti Divorce couple Justin Barrett and Bernadette Carroll {{as written|outi|sde [sic]}} the Old Mill in Temple Bar Dublin |url=https://www.rollingnews.ie/p/press/asset/90642764 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315160558/https://www.rollingnews.ie/p/press/asset/90642764 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2023-03-15 |website=www.rollingnews.ie |publisher=Rolling News |access-date=15 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|page=11|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/runners-name-their-stand-in-choices-1.1141015|newspaper=The Irish Times|title=Runners name their stand-in choices|date=19 May 2004|quote=In East, Mr Justin Barrett has chosen his wife, Bernadette, as his first replacement|first=Mark|last=Brennock}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/barrett-believes-immigration-will-be-key-issue-1.1143702|quote=said Ms Bernadette Barrett, wife of Mr Justin Barrett.|title=Barrett believes immigration will be key issue|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=7 June 2004|first=Carol|last=Coulter|page=6}}</ref> He said he was incapable of looking after his own children for longer than "four or five hours" without his wife.<ref>{{Cite web |publisher=Houses of the Oireachtas |date=2005-04-27 |title=Joint committee on the constitution debate - Wednesday, 27 Apr 2005 |url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/joint_committee_on_the_constitution/2005-04-27/2/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=www.oireachtas.ie |language=en-ie}}</ref> He divorced his first wife in 2017.<ref name="thetimes2017"/> Having previously campaigned against the legalisation of divorce, Barrett denied that he was being hypocritical, stating that he had "changed his mind" on divorce.<ref name="thetimes2017"/> In 2016, he claimed he was "never married" [sic],<ref name="npfaq" /> despite having been legally married to Ms Carroll and having four children with her.
Barrett later married Rebecca, a primary school teacher from Limerick,<ref>{{cite web |date=31 January 2020 |title=Limerick Leader Election Podcast with National Party's Rebecca Barrett |url=https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/513642/listen-limerick-leader-election-podcast-with-national-party-s-rebecca-barrett.html |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=limerickleader.ie |publisher=Limerick Leader}}</ref> and they have five children {{as of|2024|lc=yes}}.<ref name="extraIE">{{cite web|url = https://extra.ie/2024/11/17/news/far-right-justin-barrett | first = Debbie | last = McCann | website = extra.ie | title = Leader of Irish far-right party called Hitler greatest leader ever 'because it's true' | date = 17 November 2024 | access-date = 18 November 2024 }}</ref> She is also a member of the National Party and was a candidate in the 2020 Irish general election for the Limerick City constituency. She received 345 (0.7%) first preference votes and was eliminated on the second count.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 February 2020 |title=Election 2020: Limerick City - Constituency Results |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/election-2020/limerick-city/ |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=independent.ie |publisher=Independent News & Media}}</ref>
In November 2020, she responded to a tweet by then-Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu, placing a fake order for Chinese takeaway food with "no bat". The tweet was widely condemned as racist and subsequently removed by Twitter for violating the platform's rules.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rabbitts |first=Nick |title=Twitter removes 'racist' tweet posted by unsuccessful Limerick election candidate |url=https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/news/586800/twitter-removes-racist-tweet-posted-by-unsuccessful-limerick-election-candidate.html |access-date=20 October 2023 |website=www.limerickleader.ie |date=5 November 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
Both Justin and Rebecca Barrett have reportedly described themselves as "Irish National Socialists",<ref name="tweetFeb2025"/> and posted "pro-Hitler content on [..] social media".<ref name="extraIE"/> For example, on 20 April 2025, coinciding with Hitler's birthday, Rebecca Barrett Tweeted an image of birthday cake alongside a mug with Hitler's face on it.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user= RebBarrettNP |number=1914036158335435059 |title=April 20th. The perfect day for a slice of birthday cake }}</ref>
Justin Barrett has previously described himself as a "practicing Catholic" who "takes his cue from the authentic Social Teaching of the Catholic Church".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Barrett |first=Justin |title=The National Way Forward! |year=1998 |pages=193}}</ref>
=== Health === Barrett had a heart attack in May 2025. It was his second heart attack.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-09 |title=Irish far right leader Justin Barrett suffers heart attack, says wife |url=https://www.sundayworld.com/news/irish-news/irish-far-right-leader-justin-barrett-suffers-heart-attack-says-wife/a327601383.html |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=SundayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref>
== See also == *Abortion in the Republic of Ireland *Niamh Uí Bhriain
== References == {{reflist}}
{{Abortion in the Republic of Ireland|state=collapsed}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Barrett, Justin}} Category:1971 births Category:Living people Category:Irish Holocaust deniers Category:Irish anti-communists Category:Irish far-right politicians Category:Irish anti-abortion activists Category:Neo-Nazis Category:Politicians from County Tipperary Category:Alumni of Athlone Institute of Technology Category:Racism in Ireland Category:People from Borrisokane