Faulkner Likely To Succeed O’Neill

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31975, 30 April 1969, Page 13

Faulkner Likely To Succeed O’Neill

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) BELFAST, April 29. A former Cabinet Minister, Mr Brian Faulkner, u Protestant who favours a better deal for Roman Catholics, emerged today as the man most likely to be the new Prime Minister of troubled Northern Ireland.

The downfall was announced yesterday of Captain Terence O’Neill, who was forced out of office by his concessions to the Roman Catholic minority.

A statement issued by Captain O’Neill said that he had resigned as head of the ruling Ulster Unionist Party, and it added: “Accordingly, as soon as a new leader is chosen through the electoral process now in force in the Parliamentary party, I will also offer to His Excellency the Governor my resignation from the office of Prime Minister.”

Captain O’Neill’s statement went on: “I have always tried to steer the country on a course of progress and reform. I remained at my post through many periods of the greatest difficulty only because I was persuaded that my presence contributed towards that end.

"Equally. I am stepping down now because I am convinced. after fully consulting my party colleagues who have been loyal to me. that in doing so I may also be serving the cause of reform "A new leader, committed

on his record to progressive principles, but unhampered by personal animosities, may have a better chance of carrying on the works which 1 have begun."

Lynch's View In Dublin, the Prime Minister of the Irish Republic (Mr Jack Lynch) said that a reversal of the Roman Catho-lic-Protestant conciliation policy in Ulster could have tragic consequences. Mr Lynch said he believed that Captain O'Neill had been sincere in his efforts to improve conditions in the territory. “He sought to promote a spirit of toleration and understanding among all sections of the Ulster com-

munity," Mr Lynch said. “He also encouraged co-operation and good neighbourliness be tween North and South. "If his resignation were now to mean a turning back on the policies he endeavoured to promote, the consequences could well prove to be tragic.” Belfast Bonfires Bonfires flared in the back streets of Belfast last night as Protestant extremists celej brated the fall of Captain | O'Neill. ! A surging mob of several

hundred youths and girls, led by a fife-and-drum band playing “The Orange Lily" skirted some of the Roman Catholic areas of the city. A Union Jack was hoisted by a triumphant group over the home of the Rev. lan Paisley, the extremist Protestant leader, who is now in prison. Paisley came close to defeating Captain O’Neill In his own seat at the recent General Election. A small group holding Union Jacks stood outside the Crumlin Road gaol where Paisley is being held.

No Confidence A civil rights leader. Mr John Hume, member of Parliament for Londonderry, a predominantly Roman Catholic city that has seen the worst of the rioting, said that whoever succeeded Captain O’Neill would come under grave suspicion. “I would have no confidence in any leader of a party which overthrew a Prime Minister on the simple matter of one-man, one-vote,” he said. An Independent member of Parliament. Mr Ivan Cooper, commented: "Undoubtedly it will increase tension at a time when Ulster is on the brink of civil war. . . This seems an opportune moment for the British Government to intervene and abolish the Constitution of Northern Ireland and replace it with direct rule from Westminster."