A body representing hundreds of Irish community groups in Britain has said the Irish Post newspaper, which closed suddenly on Friday, must be saved.
It was the biggest-selling Irish community newspaper in Britain and went into liquidation yesterday, with the loss of 12 full-time staff jobs.
The Federation of Irish Societies described the paper as “more than a business: it is an institution” with inter-generational loyalty and international standing.
It said it would invoke potential backers from the business community, the Irish embassy, the all party parliamentary group on the Irish in Britain and politicians throughout the Irish diaspora to try and resurrect the paper.
It admitted to being shocked by the closure which came without warning and said the newspaper continues to “reach an audience that no other community provider could serve”.
In a statement issued by its chief executive Jennie McShannon, the federation praised the impact it said the newspaper had had on the Irish in Britain
"The Irish Post has been our strength; our core. It has bound the community together and provided a much needed focus. It has celebrated our identity, history, culture and sports; highlighted our achievements; reflected our concerns; defended our interests.
"In forty years of publication, the Irish Post has provided the definition of our community. It weathered the storms of the Troubles and provided support for the peacemakers on all sides. It has been a source of wisdom and authority for the community. It printed our complaints and listened to our views."
Thomas Crosbie Holdings closed the paper on Friday without publishing a final edition. It cited "persistent trading losses and the current economic climate" for the closure.
Though circulation has been steadily declining and was in the order of 17,000 when it closed, there are many who believe that it can be resurrected as a viable newspaper.
Ms McShannon said the liquidators FPM Accountants, based in Berkshire, had already received several expressions of interest in taking over the title.
Presidential candidate Michael D Higgins described the closure as a "sad day for the Irish in Britain".
The paper’s closure meant the cutting of a "hugely important link" between the Irish at home and the Irish abroad, he said.
