“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 →

“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 →