“When we in the Unionist Party defend ourselves against the political attacks of the Nationalist Party, we are perforce defending ourselves against the Roman Catholic hierarchy… Until the hierarchy renounces its influence in politics, the Orange Order cannot renounce its influence in the Unionist Party.” —Brian Faulkner, as Ulster Unionist MP, at Orange demonstration in... Continue Reading →

“Those who pay the piper are entitled to call the tune. One man, one vote is not the law and is not a basic principle in local government elections.” —Albert Anderson, as Ulster Unionist Mayor of Derry/Londonderry, opposing campaign against company and plural votes in local government, 1/7/1966. Paul Routledge, John Hume, Harper Collins, 1998,... Continue Reading →

“Following this killing there could be retaliation and a spread of violence. Action must be taken before this happens. The situation is very dangerous.” —Paul Rose, as Labour MP and Chairman of Campaign for Democracy in Ireland, on UVF attack on Catholic barmen in Malvern Street, Belfast, 26/6/1966. The Irish Times, 27/6/1966. #northernireland #politics #qotd... Continue Reading →

“If we cannot obtain justice through normal channels, then we should do so through the only other effective means at our disposal. There was no danger of violence. Indeed, civil disobedience was a safety valve.” —Austin Currie, as Nationalist MP, at party conference, after squatting in council house in Caledon, Co. Tyrone, allocated to 19-year-old... Continue Reading →

“To those of us who remember the Thirties, the pattern is horribly familiar. The contempt for established authority; the crude and unthinking intolerance; the emphasis upon monster processions and rallies; the appeal to a perverted form of patriotism — each and every one of these things has its parallel in the rise of the Nazis... Continue Reading →

“The only sensible thing was to have him certified as a person insane. There could be no doubt in any person’s mind that Mr Paisley was insane and an absolute lunatic.” —Gerry Fitt, as Republican Labour MP, at Stormont, after riots in Belfast’s Cromac Square when Rev. Ian Paisley’s supporters marched through nationalist area carrying... Continue Reading →

“From this day on, we declare war against the IRA and its splinter groups.” —Ulster Volunteer Force, as loyalist group, in statement signifying re-emergence as paramilitary force, 21/5/1966. Deutsch and Magowan, Northern Ireland, 1968-1973, A Chronology of Events, Vol. 1, Blackstaff Press, 1973, p. 4. #northernireland #politics #qotd #otd