Beard Liberation Front
17th May
Rise of facial hair in Irish politics continues as new UUP leader is beard wearer
The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has noted the further rise of facial hair in Irish politics as Doug Beattie becomes the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.
The campaigners say that the appearance of facial hair in the UUP is relatively recent. Former leader Robin Swann, who is currently Northern Ireland Health Minister, was a contender for the 2021 Beard of Ireland, but only grew the beard after he stepped down as leader.
The only other UUP leader to have facial hair was Viscount Brookeborough in 1963 who however wore only a moustache.
The campaigners say that given the UUP’s historic links with the Conservative Party Boris Johnson may wish to take note.
BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, the rise of facial hair in Northern Irish politics is welcome and with a hirsute UUP leader who can possibly claim that beard wearers are subversive
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