The Inter-relationship of the Press and Politicians during the 1981 Hunger Strike at the Maze Prison

Abstract

Northern Ireland is very rarely a subject of intense journalistic news coverage. Since the Troubles broke out in 1969 there have been relatively few occasions when it has been able to command the front pages over a significant period.1 One such period has been the sustained coverage of the developing peace process following the ceasefires by the three largest paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland. The previous period of enduring press coverage was probably following the Anglo-Irish Agreement of November 1985, and prior to that events surrounding the hunger strike of 1981 secured steady coverage. At these times the media is in a position to put the Troubles into its proper context, explaining to the people of Britain why they have been involved in this protracted and seemingly unresolvable conflict for the last twenty five years. Yet, it is clear that the media have failed to do this.