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