Northern Ireland: At the Edge of the Union
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Martin Mcguinness
Gregory Campbell
Christopher Ogden
David Barker
Sue Ducat
Ricki Green
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
A BBC television documentary about the last and least of the four provinces of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland. The program was scheduled to air on the BBC on August 7, l985, but was abrubtly withdrawn by the network after loud complaints from Prime Minister Thatcher, who had learned that the film gave a platform to an alleged IRA terrorist. The decision created an uproar in Great Britain and led to a 24-hour, worldwide strike by BBC staffers. The documentary focuses on two dedicated young men on a collision course: IRA member Martin McGuinness, and hard-line Loyalist Gregory Campbell. The original 43-minute film has been expanded and updated to one hour by WETA (Washington, D.C.). station. The update focuses on results of the recent agreement between the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland giving the latter some nominal influence in Northern Ireland's affairs.
