| Description | Interview with John McLoughlin of Derry. He talks about his childhood, living in Springtown, and the fact that both he and his parents have only got a house fairly recently. He discusses the work that his father did while the US forces were stationed in Northern Ireland during the Second World War, and his memories of his father going to work in England and Scotland taking whatever job he could. He describes the reasons for his own trips to England, starting when he left school at fourteen because he knew he would not be able to find work, attending a Catholic school, and the number of his school friends who have emigrated or worked in England. His wife joins the conversation to discuss why she does not want to leave Derry and settle in England, and John McLoughlin talks about his feeling that ordinary Catholic and Protestant people are all puppets of the Unionist government, but that Protestant workers have better opportunities. He talks about having Protestant friends and visiting their homes but not talking about politics with them. He thinks that the propaganda of the Unionist government about all Catholics wanting a united Ireland is damaging, particularly as many Catholics do not agree with this, and that the Unionist government has created many of the problems that exist in Northern Ireland because the work opportunities are not shared out. He goes on to discuss the history that is taught in Catholic schools and the reluctance of people to criticise the Catholic clergy (tracks 1-9).
Track 10: silence 0.07 mins
The couple continue to discuss the concerns that many people have about the reality of a united Ireland, the survival of friendships with Protestant people through taking part in social activities, and the belief that the only way the Stormont government can survive is by perpetuating sectarian division. John McLoughlin goes on to discuss his opinion of the police and the treatment he and his brothers have received when they were stopped and searched, and the powers that the police have. He talks about the detention of several of his friends and acquaintances in 1956 under the Special Powers Act 'as members of an illegal organisation', the lack of fear that people in Derry now have of the police because the situation has become a way of life, and the lack of support that people offer to the police because of their attitude (tracks 11-17).
Track 18: silence 0.41 mins
Total: 33.32 mins
Dubber's reference number: PLA KF565D0081180 |