Stormont MPs, John Hume and Ivan Cooper, discuss what they think started the violence and the need to politically address the grievances of those demonstrating.

Both men have headed civil rights movements over the past few months. John Hume gave Reg Cullen his version of last night’s trouble, which he maintains was largely a result of the ban on the march which was due to take place. Hume condemned the damage to property in the city but commented that it was largely a result of the inability of the police to handle the situation. Hume is in agreement with Cooper that nobody in the civil rights movement condones violence or vandalism.

Hume says that the way to govern Northern Ireland is not by increasing the police presence but rather by meeting the social grievances that everyone knows exist.

Ivan Cooper and journalist Mary Holland spoke to Don McManus about their reaction to the violence. Holland describes what she witnessed in the Bogside, stating that "I was certainly more frightened than I have ever been". Holland also describes the bad behaviour of the police and witnessed the police beating young boys. She feels that the tension in the city was inevitably going to lead to riots. Ivan Cooper talks about the future for the civil rights movement and feels that the marches need to stop.

Don Mc Manus reports from Derry and describes the tense situation that is growing in the Bogside and anticipates more trouble tonight.

A report from the 'This Week' programme broadcast on 20 April 1969.

‘This Week’ was a RTÉ Radio production featuring daily news and analysis of the week’s top stories, with interviews, comment, opinion and the voices of the newsmakers. ‘This Week’ was presented by Mike Burns and Sean Duignan.

The accompanying image is from RTÉ News coverage of protestors in Derry broadcast on 20 April 1969.

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