Audio interview with John McGuffin, a member of the People’s Democracy, by Barry Linnane for RTE News in January 1969. In August of 1968 the Northern Ireland civil rights movement began public marches in support of its objectives causing community tensions between Catholics and Protestants. On 1 January 1969 the People’s Democracy began a proposed four day march from Belfast to Derry/Londonderry. Three days later the demonstrators were attacked by loyalist opponents in Derry/Londonderry, leading to major rioting in the city. McGuffin discuss the future campaign of the People’s Democracy in light of these events.
Date of Release/Broadcast: 05 January 1969
Name of First Interviewee: John McGuffin
Role at time of Interview: Member of the People’s Democracy
Interviewer: Sean Duignan
Purpose: News
Media: Audio
Copyright: © RTÉ 2013
Link: Listen to the interview
Programme/Book/Article: RTE News
Time Period covered: 1968-1969
Key Individuals: John McGuffin, Tom McGurk, Bernadette Devlin, Terence O’Neill, William Long, Ian Paisley
Key Words: Civil rights, People’s Democracy, RUC, religion, unemployment