03: Bernadette Devlin

Bernadette Devlin, a 21-year-old student and civil rights activist, was elected as MP for Mid Ulster in an April 1969 by-election.

Bernadette Devlin 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 majority of 4,211. She was the youngest woman ever elected to Westminster and was thrust into the glare of the world's media.

The accompanying photograph shows Bernadette Devlin being filmed for the RTÉ Television programme Féach, in April 1969.

The photographer was Peter Dorney.

© RTÉ Stills Library 2143/001