Civil rights movement 1968-69 - 01 January 1969

01 January 1969 - First Day of People's Democracy March from Belfast to Derry

As the civil rights movement gathered momentum in late 1968, the number of disturbances also increased. On 09 December 1968, the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Terence O'Neill, went on television warning that, "Ulster is at a crossroads" and appealing for an end to the growing disorder. He attempted to reassure civil rights supporters by promising to implement a programme of genuine change. O'Neill also appealed to them to call off their street protests to allow an atmosphere for change to develop. Eddie McAteer of the Nationalist Party and Cardinal Conway welcomed the speech. Encouraged by public reaction, O'Neill sacked William Craig, Minister of Home Affairs, from his cabinet. The civil rights movement announced a supension of marches until 11 January 1969.

On 01 January 1969, a People's Democracy march left Belfast City Hall on a four-day march to Derry. This march did not have the backing of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA), who supported the suspension of demonstrations. The Loyal Citizens of Ulster, led by Major Ronald Bunting, issued a statement calling on, "all those who value their heritage" to take every possible action within the law to hinder and harass the "so-called civil rights marchers." As about 40 students left Belfast under civil rights and People's Democracy banners, Bunting retaliated by leading a group of loyalists carrying Union Jacks at the head of the march. The loyalists chanted abuse before leaving the march on the outskirts of Belfast.

When the marchers approached Antrim Town, the Loyal Citizens of Ulster were waiting at the railway bridge to block them. There was a stand-off for a couple of hours before an agreement was reached that the marchers would be taken by police transport through Antrim Town.

People's Democracy march leaves Belfast

In a demonstration inspired by the US civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, a People's Democracy march consisting mainly of students sets out for Derry from Belfast. The Loyal Citizens of Ulster, led by Major Ronald Bunting, make their presence felt by placing themselves at the head of the procession.

Stand-off at Antrim

The student protesters and members of the Loyal Citizens of Ulster face each other at the railway bridge outside Antrim Town. Major Ronald Bunting and student Michael Farell are seen in the middle of the crowd.