No sooner had the news of F4J’s demise broken than it was announced that, after two years of wrangling, Miramax had won the rights to the F4J story. Many felt the film had written itself. All that was missing was an ending. In an era of “alternative endings” anything was possible. One outcome was that O’Connor’s group succeeded in changing the law, allowing parents equal access to their children. That may have been a little too long in coming. Now the story is perfectly rounded — the great leader turns his back on the campaign he loved, dejectedly walking off into the sunset, all his hard work undermined by the very people he tried to help.
Rumour has it there’s a sequel in the offing. Those that are left behind continue the campaign. One day they change the law, walk off into the sunset and everyone lives happily ever after. Any offers?
Graham Manson
Real Fathers For Justice
London E14
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TAKING CARE: Why does Rod Liddle denigrate the family court? As a matrimonial lawyer for nearly 20 years, I have obtained residence orders for fathers, usually when he has been the main carer — even today they are often not. Contact is denied rarely and yes, some mothers make contact difficult if not impossible, often reluctantly and with good reason.
I believe O’Connor disbanded F4J because he believed, quite rightly, that kidnapping Leo Blair is just the sort of stunt that some of his more militant members would attempt. I have frequently been threatened by fathers and required an escort from court.
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