Denis Bradley interviews the SDLP leader John Hume. 

In 1988, John Hume held a series of secret talks with Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams, over the course of eight months. The talks were hosted at West Belfast’s famous Clonard monastery and mediated by Father Alec Reid. Hume hoped to persuade the IRA to abandon their armed campaign in favour of political processes.  

In April of 1993, the talks became public knowledge and brought considerable ire to Hume from both the Unionist community and various members of Hume’s own party. However, as time progressed, the talks were seen to be a key steppingstone in the arduous peace process of Northern Ireland.

This interview, conducted by Denis Bradley, offers an insight into Hume’s outlook for the role the Unionist community could play in a new Northern Ireland. It was recorded in September 1993. Bradley is a former priest and freelance journalist and was a student of Hume’s at the city’s famous St Columb’s College. 

It is a fascinating interview and was used in the documentary Understanding Northern Ireland. It was donated by the Derry-based filmmaker, Vinny Cunningham. 

Vinny Cunningham is a Derry-based filmmaker. 

This footage was donated to the Tower Museum and the Digital Film Archive by Vinny Cunningham. 

• Derry City & Strabane District Council