“When London gets a chill, Northern Ireland gets the flu and Derry gets pneumonia; it’s that sort of relationship.” —Peter Shore, as UK Economic Affairs Minister, 1/1967. Paul Routledge, John Hume, Harper Collins, 1998, p. 56. #northernireland #politics #qotd #otd

“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 →