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Peace Process History

Interview with Don Concannon for ITN on 1 May 1981

Published:

Video interview with Don Concannon, former Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, for ITN on 1 May 1981. Two months earlier a republican hunger-strike led by Bobby Sands began in the Maze/Long Kesh prison with the objective of securing Special Category status for republican prisoners. In this press conference Concannon outlines the British Labour Party’s policy towards the hunger-strike and describes the physical and psychological status of those involved from his latest visit to the prison. Four days later Bobby Sands was to become the first hunger-striker to die as part of the campaign.

Date of Release/Broadcast: 1 May 1981

Name of First Interviewee: Don Concannon

Role at time of Interview: Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Purpose: News

Media: Audiovisual

Copyright: ©2013 ITN All rights reserved

Link: Watch the interview

Programme/Book/Article: ITN

Time Period covered: 1981

Key Individuals: Don Concannon, Bobby Sands, Michael Foot

Key Words: Labour Party, hunger-strike, Maze prison, Long Kesh prison, Special Category status

 

 

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