On his re-election in Larne, Co. Antrim, former Minister for Home Affairs William Craig tells reporter John Ross that Captain Terence O'Neill must now be replaced as party leader and prime minister.

Craig says that the election has only added to the difficulties that exist within the Unionist Party. Craig also says that he would like to see his party implementing policies that would benefit all people.

RTÉ News talks to William Craig about the results of the election. Broadcast on 25 February 1969.

With a record poll and a wide range of candidates, there were some surprises when the election results were announced. The Unionist Party was returned with a comfortable majority, but Captain O'Neill's position was not greatly improved. Seven of the 12 MPs who had called for an end to his leadership were returned. O'Neill himself was re-elected, but the Reverend Ian Paisley ran him close.

A new generation of politicians was also emerging. The Nationalist Party lost the seats of leader Eddie McAteer and Paddy Gormley to civil rights campaigners John Hume and Ivan Cooper. The People's Democracy candidates Michael Farrell and Bernadette Devlin polled well.

With all the results in and a new cabinet formed, the leadership of Captain O'Neill was again challenged from within the Unionist Parliamentary Party.

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