1967 documentary profile of Rev. Ian Paisley.

Rev. Ian Paisley, is he a new Martin Luther - a true defender of the Protestant faith - or a "strutting turkey cock in the animal farm politics of Ulster?"

Explore the escalating tensions in Northern Ireland and the central role that Rev. Ian Paisley would play as a lightning rod for Unionism. The film provides a brief synopsis of the history of Ulster - from the Battle of The Boyne in 1690 to the Partition of Ireland in 1922 - and the contemporary background to Paisley’s rise to prominence.

 

Various politicians and public figures give their opinion on Paisley. Amongst those interviewed is Gerry Fitt, Labour MP for Ulster. He understands Paisley's position and believes that he should be taken very seriously. The Home Affairs Minister of the Ulster Parliament, Brian McConnell, is critical of Paisley’s role in heightening tensions, whilst Martin Wallace – Deputy Editor of the Belfast Telegraph – says he does not take Paisley seriously at all, suggesting that he has no responsible support. This Rediffusion documentary comes from the BFI collection.

Produced by Rediffusion

Directed by Peter Robinson

Onscreen participant: Rev. Ian Paisley

Interviewer: Llew Gardner

Interviewees: Gerry Fitt, Brian McConnell

Digitised as part of Unlocking Film Heritage

• Ian Paisley - BBC History
• Ian Paisley Obituary - BBC Northern Ireland
• British Film Institute
• Britain on Film
• BFI Player