Video interviews with Seamus Mallon (deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland), John Hume (leader of the SDLP), Mitchel McLaughlin (chairperson of Sinn Fein), Ed Moloney (Northern Ireland editor for the Sunday Tribune) and Michael McGimpsey (UUP MLA for Belfast South), for ITN on 7 February 2000. One day earlier the Continuity IRA claimed responsibility for a bomb explosion in Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh. This event occurred in a period of heightened political tension in which it was indicated that David Trimble could resign as First Minister of Northern Ireland on the decommissioning issue. Amid hurried talks to prevent the collapse of power-sharing government, the interviewees discuss the potential impact of incidents of republican violence on discussions. Four days later Peter Mandelson, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, suspended devolved government and returned direct rule to Northern Ireland.
Date of Release/Broadcast: 7 February 2000
Name of First Interviewee: Seamus Mallon, John Hume
Name of Second Interviewee: Mitchel McLaughlin, Ed Moloney
Name of Third Interviewee: Michael McGimpsey
Role at time of Interview: Seamus Mallon (deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland), John Hume (leader of the SDLP), Mitchel McLaughlin (chairperson of Sinn Fein), Ed Moloney (Northern Ireland editor for the Sunday Tribune), Michael McGimpsey (UUP MLA for Belfast South)
Purpose: News
Media: Audiovisual
Copyright: ©2013 ITN All rights reserved
Link: Watch the interview
Programme/Book/Article: ITN
Time Period covered: 2000
Key Individuals: Seamus Mallon, John Hume, Mitchel McLaughlin, Ed Moloney, Michael McGimpsey
Key Words: SDLP, Sinn Fein, UUP, power-sharing, decommissioning, IRA, Trimble resignation, Belfast Agreement, Good Friday Agreement