The Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Captain Terence O'Neill, hopes the range of election candidates will revitalise democracy.

Captain O'Neill also believes that those Catholics who have only a choice of Unionist politicians will vote for the O'Neill candidate. O'Neill describes this election as

the most democratic election which has ever taken place in Northern Ireland's history.

RTÉ News reports from a press conference given by Captain O'Neill broadcast on 21 February 1969.