Video interview with Frank Maguire, Independent Republican MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, for ITN on 25 March 1979. The late 1970s had seen the escalation of the blanket and dirty protests within the Maze/Long Kesh prison. Ahead of a Westminster vote of confidence in the Labour government, Maguire discusses his view of conditions at the Maze/Long Kesh prson and the British government’s responsibility to the prisoners. In parliament three days later the Labour government lost its vote of confidence by 311 to 310 votes. Eight Unionist MPs had voted against Labour while Frank Maguire and Gerry Fitt both abstained. The Conservative Party came to power in May 1979.
Date of Release/Broadcast: 25 March 1979
Name of First Interviewee: Frank Maguire
Role at time of Interview: Independent Republican MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone
Purpose: News
Media: Audiovisual
Copyright: ©2013 ITN All rights reserved
Link: Listen to the interview
Programme/Book/Article: ITN
Time Period covered: 1979
Key Individuals: Frank Maguire
Key Words: Maze prison, Long Kesh prison, blanket protest, dirty protest, Labour Party, British government, abstention, Independent Republican, election