Stunts fail to win fathers real benefits

STUNTS FAILED TO WIN FATHERS REAL BENEFITS

10:40 - 02 February 2007

The members of Fathers 4 Justice managed one thing spectacularly well - they got considerable publicity for their cause.Their stunts, initially, had the merit of being quirky and original.And behind the super hero costumes was a serious message.These were men who were genuinely desperate to see their children. In many cases, following their protests, they did get access.

Ultimately disharmony reigned and their movement self-destructed.The low point was the powder-filled condom attack on Tony Blair in the House of Commons - a moment where absurdity engulfed this organisation and made it appear irresponsible.Its membership was disparate from the start, held together only by the common aim of wanting to see their children more. But while they may have had a single goal they had as many individual and conflicting demands as they had members.

They were united in having an indestructible love for their children and a searing sense of injustice.In the end, thanks to stunts like the occupation of the Clifton Suspension Bridge tower, their movement enjoyed a brief spell in the spotlight.It did at least prompt a debate and maybe stirred the consciences of some. But it did not achieve any lasting change.

The courts of this land who rule over the custody of children still favour mothers above fathers.And there is still a culture in our society where mothers and fathers are not considered equal as parents.

There are thousands of dads who are denied access to their children, who miss out on birthdays and Christmas and seeing their sons and daughters growing up.And there are many, many more whose time with their children is limited and who break their hearts every time they have to say goodbye.That is something that not even real super heroes could assuage.