Transcript of an interview with Michael Ancram, Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office, by John Humphrys for BBC On the Record on 9 June 1996. Humphrys puts it to Ancram that Northern Ireland has become more polarised in the wake of recent elections in which both Sinn Féin and the DUP increased their share of the vote. He also questions Ancram as to what steps Sinn Féin must take before being admitted to all-party talks due to take place the next day. Ancram is also asked whether he believes George Mitchell’s position as Chairman is something that all parties to the talks will agree to.
Date of Release/Broadcast: 9 June 1996
Name of First Interviewee: Michael Ancram
Role at time of Interview: Conservative MP and Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office
Interviewer: John Humphrys
Purpose: News
Media: Transcript
Copyright: © BBC On the Record
Link: Read the transcript
Programme/Book/Article: BBC On the Record
Time Period covered: 1996
Key Individuals: Michael Ancram, George Mitchell
Key Words: Decommissioning, Mitchell Report, ceasefire, all-party talks, Sinn Féin, DUP