At the edge of the union

The story of two dedicated men prepared to use almost any means to ensure that their view prevails.The city of Londonderry, or Derry, is where the present Northern Ireland “Troubles “ began 16 years ago. It is a polarized city, with public support having grown for the extremes of both sides. This film looks at those extremes through the eyes of two men. Both are young, working-class, teetotal and church-going; both are elected representatives of their communities.The first, Martin McGuinness has been accused by some of being the IRA’s Chief of Staff, responsible for bombing the heart out of the city in the 1970’s. Yet today he stands as a legitimate politician, able to attract 10.000 votes for Sinn Fein.Gregory Campbell is a hard-line Loyalist. He needs constant armed police protection following a bomb attempt on his life last year. Campbell is a target because of his outspoken views; a strong advocate of as hoot-to-kill policy against the IRA.This film was originally banned in Britain by the BBC’s governors after political pressure from the British government. After a BBC strike, national and international condemnation and protracted battle with their senior management, the BBC’s governors backed down – the film with an addition of 19’ of library film was finally shown.