Despite pressure from the British government to introduce local government franchise, there was still division among Unionist MPs at Stormont.
On the first day of discussion, the Unionist Parliamentary Party could not come to any agreement. The following day, the proposal to introduce ‘one man, one vote’ was passed by 28 votes to 22. Major Chichester-Clark, the Minister for Agriculture, resigned, unable to accept the government's decision.
Although the vote was passed, it highlighted the divisions within Unionism and increased the pressure once more on Prime Minister Terence O'Neill. For nationalists and the civil rights movement, ‘one man, one vote’ was now too little too late.
The accompanying photograph shows an exterior view of Stormont, the Parliament Building of Northern Ireland, in May 1969. The photographer was Peter Dorney.
Sean Duignan reports on the difficulties of getting Unionist Parliamentary Party members to agree on 'one man, one vote' and the pressure this puts on Captain Terence O'Neill's leadership.
Production Year
1969
Contributor
Sean Duignan (Reporter)
ONE MAN, ONE VOTE
On One Man, One Vote Passed
Sean Duignan reports from Stormont minutes after the Unionist Parliamentary Party has voted.
Production Year
1969
Contributor
Sean Duignan (Reporter)
ONE MAN, ONE VOTE
Universal Local Government Franchise
The proposal for universal local government franchise is adopted narrowly by the Unionist Parliamentary Party.
Production Year
1969
ONE MAN, ONE VOTE
Faulkner Critical of Timing of Decision
At a rival press conference, Brian Faulkner is critical of the Northern Ireland government for introducing the local government franchise now.
Production Year
1969
ONE MAN, ONE VOTE
Chichester-Clark Announces Resignation
Major Chichester-Clark, Minister for Agriculture, announces his resignation, claiming he is unable to accept the timing of the government's decision to introduce one man, one vote.
Production Year
1969
Contributor
Ronnie Turner (Reporter)
ONE MAN, ONE VOTE
Hume Welcomes Vote But Questions Unionist Commitment
John Hume welcomes the decision to grant one man, one vote, but questions who is in control of the Unionist Party.
Production Year
1969
ONE MAN, ONE VOTE
What Now?
RTÉ News sums up events on the day that the Unionist Parliamentary Party passed the 'one man, one vote' proposal by a narrow majority of just 6 votes, with 28 votes in favour and 22 votes against.
