“I am not a law-breaker by nature, but I am proud to stand here with 15,000 Derry people who have broken a law which is in disrepute. I invite Mr Craig to arrest the lot of us.” —John Hume, as organiser of Derry Citizens’ Action Committee march in Derry/Londonderry, which successfully defied ban by Northern... Continue Reading →

“Is it not plain common sense that the two existing political communities in our small island should seek every opportunity of working together in practical matters for their mutual and common good?” —Sean Lemass, An Taoiseach, in Dáil, indicating new approach on Northern Ireland, 10/11/1960. Farrel, Brian, Sean Lemass, Gill & Macmillan, 1991, p. 115.... Continue Reading →

“How can you give somebody who is your enemy a higher position in order to allow him to come to destroy you?” —Basil Brooke (Lord Brookeborough), as Northern Ireland Prime Minister, asked why Catholics did not attain higher positions in Northern Ireland life, 30/10/1968. The Irish Times, 30/10/1968. #northernireland #politics #qotd #otd

“The feeling that [Terence O’Neill] is being blackmailed by thugs who are putting pressure on him is something this House cannot accept.” —Harold Wilson, as UK Prime Minister, in House of Commons, about Unionist opposition to Terence O’Neill’s reform programme, 21/10/1968. Deutsch and Magowan, Northern Ireland, 1968-1973, A Chronology of Events, Vol. 1, Blackstaff Press,... Continue Reading →

“Let there be an end to public statements either in Ireland or abroad about ‘ultimate unification of our country’, the ‘evil or partition’, the ‘six-county area’… Talk will not of itself change things. There is more to the wind of change than hot air.” —Terence O’Neill, as Northern Ireland Prime Minister, in Newcastle on new... Continue Reading →

“I believe the Londonderry disorder has brought the guns a step nearer.” —William Craig, as Northern Ireland Home Affairs Minister, in Stormont debate on events of 5 October 1968 in Derry/Londonderry, 16/10/1968. The Irish Times, 17/10/1968. #northernireland #politics #qotd #otd

“Being disappointed by Captain O’Neill’s Government’s failure to deal effectively with the root causes of unrest afflicting our society, we cease to function as official opposition until such time as the Government gives further concrete evidence of a sincere desire to remedy the situation.” —Nationalist Party, as Northern Ireland anti-partition party, in statement protesting against... Continue Reading →

“We might get back to the situation of 1912 when a Liberal Government tried to interfere in Irish affairs.” —Terence O’Neill, as Northern Ireland Prime Minister, warning of Unionist rebellion if UK Government intervened after Derry/Londonderry riots of 5 October 1968, 7/10/1968. The Irish Times, 8/10/1968. #northernireland #politics #qotd #otd

“I uttered a prayer of thanks as the blood spilled over my face and on my shirt… I knew that at last Northern Ireland as she really was would be seen before the world.” —Gerry Fitt, as Republican Labour MP, after being batoned by RUC at Civil Rights Association march in Derry/Londonderry, 5/10/1968. The Irish... Continue Reading →

“If that flag is not removed tomorrow, I will organise a march and remove it myself.” —Rev. Ian Paisley, as leader of Free Presbyterian Church, in Ulster Hall address, referring to Irish tricolour at Republican Party headquarters in Divis Street, Belfast, 27/9/1964. Patrick Marrinan, Paisley, Man of Wrath, Anvil, 1973, p. 82 #northernireland #politics #qotd... Continue Reading →

“What we have done today will go down in history and in this way we will be more effective in showing the world that we are a peaceful people asking for our civil rights in an orderly manner.” —Betty Sinclair, as member of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA), persuading marchers from Coalisland to... Continue Reading →