Bernadette Devlin - Northern Ireland 1969

Bernadette Devlin Elected MP

Bernadette Devlin, a 21-year-old student and civil rights activist, was elected as MP for Mid Ulster in an April 1969 by-election. She stood for Independent Unity and was pitted against Anna Forrest of the Unionist Party, who was the widow of former MP George Forrest. There was a 91.5% electoral turnout and Devlin was elected with a a majority of 4,211. She was the youngest woman ever elected to Westminster and was thrust into the glare of the world's media.

Previewing the "Petticoat Election"

This was the first straight contest between two women in Northern Ireland politics and was labelled "the petticoat election" by the media. In this clip, Mike Burns speaks to the two candidates Anna Forrest and Bernadette Devlin, who outline their policies in the run up to polling day.

Tension at Rally in Support of Bernadette Devlin

Don McManus reports from Moneymore, Derry, where a meeting in support of Bernadette Devlin is disrupted by Paisleyites. Michael Farrell and Eamonn McCann both attempt to speak. However, Bernadette Devlin is unable to address her supporters and the meeting is abandoned.

Bernadette Devlin Addresses Supporters

Bernadette Devlin addresses supporters at Draperstown: "It is time that we stood up now and demanded the kind of society to which we, the people of this country, have a right."

Polling Day in Mid Ulster By-Election

On the day of the election, Don McManus reports from Cookstown for the lunchtime news. Although there is a lack of obvious election fever by way of posters or campaigning, the numbers voting are high.

Bernadette Devlin Votes

On polling day, candidate Bernadette Devlin talks to Don McManus having cast her vote for the first time in an election.

Bernadette Devlin Elected

Sean Duignan reports on the election of 21-year-old Bernadette Devlin as MP for Mid Ulster. A tired Devlin declares that, "People of Mid Ulster, we have finally started to overcome."

"We Must Have Some Justice, Mr Wilson Please"

An exhausted Bernadette Devlin tries to articulate her plans following victory in the Mid Ulster by-election.

"I Have Been Elected To Serve The People of Mid Ulster. This I Will Do. All Of Them."

In an interview for "7 Days," Bernadette Devlin answers questions about her appeal to Protestant voters and fields accusations of being a communist or just an ambitous young girl. Rodney Rice also asks Devlin if she thinks Westminster MPs will show any respect for a 21-year-old street agitator.

Victory Rally In Carrickmore

Bernadette Devlin is welcomed at a victory rally in Carrickmore.

Newest Westminster MP Predicts Civil War

When Robert Porter, the Northern Ireland Minister for Home Affairs, banned a march from Burntollet Bridge to Derry City, a sit-down protest in Derry ended in clashes between civil rights activists and Protestant extremists. This sparked off intense violence in the Bogside area of Derry.

The following day on "This Week", newly-elected MP Bernadette Devlin described what she saw in the Bogside and expressed her fears for Northern Ireland.

"Most Extraordinary Politician of the Year"

On the first anniversary of the Derry civil rights march of 5 October 1968, John Bowman reviews the events of the past year and reflects on the election of Bernadette Devlin. Devlin herself talks about the message she brought to parliament on her much anticipated and widely publicised first appearance. She delivered her maiden speech during an emergency debate on the situation in Northern Ireland.