Despite the moderate success of having "one man, one vote" passed Captain Terence O'Neill's position as Prime Minister and leader of the Unionist Party continued to deteriorate.
The resignation of Major Chichester-Clark over the franchise issue and the continued division within the parliamentary party finally led Captain O'Neill to resign. Brian Faulkner and Major James Chichester-Clark, both former ministers under O'Neill, were nominated for the leadership. Chichester-Clark won by one vote and became both prime minister and leader of the Unionist Party.
Here is a selection of RTÉ television and radio coverage of Captain Terence O'Neill's last days as premier and the election of Chichester-Clark.
The accompanying image is taken from RTÉ News footage of Major Chichester-Clark giving his first interview to the press following his election as leader on 1 May, 1969.
Following the local government franchise vote, Captain O'Neill's position as leader of his party and Prime Minister is looking increasingly weak.
Production Year
1969
Contributor
Seán Duignan (Reporter)
NEW PRIME MINISTER
Reaction to O’Neill Resignation
Ronnie Turner reports on reaction to the news that Captain Terence O'Neill is to step down as leader of the Unionist Party.
Production Year
1969
Contributor
Ronnie Turner (Reporter)
Mike Burns (Presenter)
Jim Sherwin (Presenter)
NEW PRIME MINISTER
"Wherever Our Source of Hope Lies, It Certainly Doesn't Lie in the Unionist Party"
John Hume does not see that the replacing of Captain Terence O'Neill will offer any hope to the civil rights movement.
Production Year
1969
Contributor
Barry Linnane (Reporter)
NEW PRIME MINISTER
Faulkner and Chichester-Clark for Leadership
Brian Faulkner and Major Chichester-Clark are both running for leader of the Unionist Party following the resignation of Captain Terence O'Neill.
Production Year
1969
Contributor
Seán Duignan (Reporter)
NEW PRIME MINISTER
Chichester-Clark Ambitions for Leadership
Major James Chichester-Clark talks about his ambition to prove to the Northern Ireland community that he is capable of being their Prime Minister.
Production Year
1969
Contributor
Kevin MacDonald (Reporter)
NEW PRIME MINISTER
"Policies Of Much Greater Importance Than Personalities"
Brian Faulkner talks about how he would lessen tension in Northern Ireland if elected prime minister and his intention to carry on the reform measures commenced under Captain Terence O'Neill.
Production Year
1969
Contributor
Ronnie Turner (Reporter)
NEW PRIME MINISTER
Chichester-Clark, New Prime Minister
Chief Whip of the Unionist Party and Chairman of the selection meeting, Roy Bradford, announces the leadership result, which sees Major Chichester-Clark defeat Brian Faulkner by a single vote.
Production Year
1969
NEW PRIME MINISTER
New Leader, First Press Conference
Following his election victory, Major Chichester-Clark answers questions from a large media gathering.
Production Year
1969
NEW PRIME MINISTER
Captain O'Neill Leaves Stormont
Following the leadership election, Captain Terence O'Neill leaves Stormont but says he will be staying in politics.
Production Year
1969
NEW PRIME MINISTER
"The Party Is Now Fully United”
William Craig says he will give his full support to the new leader and does not rule out a place in the cabinet, should it be offered.
Production Year
1969
NEW PRIME MINISTER
Reaction from Derry on Chichester-Clark
Barry Linnane seeks the views of Catholics and Protestants on the election of their new Prime Minister.
