“I can think of nothing which would work more strikingly the great changes of our times, or the strengthening of our Republican self-respect, than to see a member of the British royal family coming to Ireland on a private visit, travelling freely round Ireland, without anyone paying special attention.” —Sean Lemass, as Taoiseach, on demonstrations... Continue Reading →
“We should support the civil rights campaign…
"We should support the civil rights campaign in the North... There is a majority there that wants unity with Britain and we must respect that, but at the same time we must reject their right to oppress the minority." —Conor Cruise O'Brien, 25/1/1969, as delegate to Labour Party conference. The Irish Times, 27/1/1969. #civilrights #ireland... Continue Reading →
“It is wrong that we act on beliefs…
“It is wrong that we act on beliefs; we should judge on the facts.” —Arlene Foster, 21/1/2017, responding to questions about the Renewable Heating Initiative (RHI) scandal. #factchecking #northernireland #qotd #otd
“In this situation partition will become so obviously …
“In this situation partition will become so obviously an anachronism that all sensible people will want to bring it to an end.” —Sean Lemass, as Taoiseach, on an effect of membership of the Common Market (later European Union), for which the UK and Ireland (unsuccessfully) applied, 14/1/1962. The Irish Times, 15/6/1962. #ireland #politics #qotd #otd... Continue Reading →
“We both share the same rivers, the same …
“We both share the same rivers, the same mountains, and some of the same problems, and therefore I think it is reasonable that the two premiers should meet and discuss matters of mutual interest, and that is actually what we did today.” —Terence O’Neill, as Northern Ireland Prime Minister, in television interview after meeting Taoiseach,... Continue Reading →
“When London gets a chill, Northern Ireland gets …
“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 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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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