PSA British Library Lecture: Bernadette McAliskey - The Class of '68: Where is the Legacy?

Bernadette McAliskey, a key political voice and activist over the last 50 years, reflects upon a life spent campaigning for social justice and equality, from the radical awakenings of 1968 to the present.
The joint Political Studies Association- British Library Series 2018 aims to inspire public engagement and a better understanding of politics, especially within wider historical and cultural contexts.

[@andunabu3238]

My mother introduced me to Bernadette when I was 7 I was in awe then and I am now. Bernadette is up there with Mandela and King. Fabulous woman. Legend.

[@philrussell1434]

I was 13 years old,in 1969,living in West Belfast,when I read my first serious book, The Price of My Soul, it changed the direction my life took.

[@francesmcgloin9743]

BRILLIANT! BRILLIANT! BRILLIANT! BERNADETTE GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU SAFE, YOU ARE SUCH A LEGACY. 🇮🇪🇮🇪💚

[@tommytucker9299]

Spellbinding. An honest "lived" experience so articulately and intelligently expressed. We still need to hear the voice of Bernadette McAliskey.

[@jcoker423]

But not see her, she hasn't aged well.

[@dowth3]

@@jcoker423 Says you cowardly from the forgiving angle of your keyboard.

[@jcoker423]

@@dowth3 Says you with the made up name ?

[@nickodonnell3155]

Just read Bernadette’s Price of my Soul. I loved it. 50 years after writing it she still talks with such incredible passion and authority. Astounding and, more importantly, right. Absolutely brilliant. Loved it.

[@_chary990]

"Be careful, you don't become that which you oppose."

[@aloysiusAAJ]

What a remarkable Human Being! She speaks from her head and heart! A revolutionary woman!

[@jcoker423]

But I wouldn't want to wake up next to her after a big night..... what a minger !

[@dowth3]

@@jcoker423 Not to worry, she's too classy to fall for a miscreant.

[@trina415]

​@@jcoker423that's what your ma said about you

[@jcoker423]

​​@@trina415yawn. Bog trot ter

[@salamanderzoo]

Intelligent informed debate from a lifelong activist! thank you.

[@conillet]

Cannot express how much I admire this woman.

[@gearoftones8585]

I've always admired this woman and would love to one day meet and chat to her. It would be an honour.

[@nikipressey9798]

Brilliant talk.

[@Dekstr_Dekstr]

Bernadette ❤️ I am hooked on your every word, if only there were more like you, I hope like the man said you write a new edition of your memoirs ❤️

[@paulyandle1286]

Absolutely amazing human being. I do hope that her everyday life has been rewarding and fulfilling...just as a normal lived existence.

[@jcoker423]

Not by the look of her. She hasnt aged well.

[@patrickwalsh6873]

Very few people age well having, in front of their children, been shot nine times by Loyalist filth. With the collusion of Parachute Regiment filth. Many people, including a little shit like you, wouldn't even have survived that ordeal. She is an extraordinary woman, and whoever dragged you up to have such a disgusting attitude towards any elderly woman, hasn't much to be proud of.

[@michaelcolton4593]

@@jcoker423 have you aged well.🤔

[@jcoker423]

@@michaelcolton4593 Better than Bernadette Devlin. Mind you that's a low bar.

[@Spalpeenz]

I am so glad that she fell off the Edinburgh University wagon, her determination in the face of overwhelming odds gave so many people hope.

[@Lara-ri1lg]

I saw her speak in 1983 and was amazed at how small she is. Huge intellect and wonderful speaker.

[@jeanniewallis6330]

Wonderful - thank you.

[@itsnotmyjob]

How has she disappeared? How many people have buried William F Buckley on the The Firing Line?

[@DingusTheGenius]

That is the video that brought me here. It is unfortunate that the comments are closed on that video. She exemplifies in her encounter with The Buckster what is the difference between the cake of informed, passionate principle and the frosting of vapid, pompous entitlement.

[@gerryclarke9795]

Brilliant!

[@philrussell1434]

I remember going and hearing Bernadette speaking at Rallies. Amazing times.

[@TheTommylivingstone]

Brilliant

[@brianeduardo1234]

The assembly will not be restricted as long the DUP are supporting the Tories - as always immensely articulate and engaging. - I would differ on abortion but it is important to respect all views

[@bubbatheking9225]

Glad to have rediscovered Bernadette Devlin. Back in the day.

[@jcoker423]

She was ok looking 'back in the day', but now... well I'd chew my arm off rather than wake her up.

[@bubbatheking9225]

Hey I am referring to her patriotism and her contributions to the cause of civil rights in Northern Ireland, nothing about her sexuality. Why even bring that up? It's disrespectful.

[@dowth3]

@@jcoker423 In this thread you've made several comments all geared toward objectifying a soul you've yet to become worthy of commenting on. How disrespectful and rude is your jealousy.

[@breatheazores4838]

wow what an amazing speech

[@arnie8604]

Ireland's heroine.

[@Silly.Old.Sisyphus]

Bernadette was cleverer than me when she passed her 11+, because it never occurred to me i was clever when i passed mine. And she's still cleverer, which makes it all the more poignant that despite all her efforts, and those of others like her, things haven't really changed that much since 1968.

[@eileenmc4746]

my dad gave me her book when it came out-I was a ninth grader and she became a hero to me-a leftie Irish American. ahh 70s

[@paradise8876]

Bernadette would have made a brilliant Irish President.

[@caroldobbie]

❤

[@turidoreilly9078]

Vert good -I followed The struggle from London - emigrated from Dublin in 1960- President of London University Debating Union_ Failed to Get Paisley to come to a Debate on Ireland - The Constitution of NI was not up for debate _ full stop

[@irenemax3574]

“No good comes from educating the poor...” 😂

[@gearoftones8585]

The only thing is, there now IS a nationalist government in the north so she wasn't quite accurate there but everything else I agree with completely

[@josephhutcheson8367]

Sorry you and you’re people missed 67 history was made again by the celts venceremos

[@KidMillions]

I would disagree with her saying "We barely made a dent in the system". They actually own the system now, the major universities, whose students then become the leaders of the country. Although the economics are still capitalist of course, because the alternative doesn't work. I hope she doesn't still have Marxist ideas.

[@huub1989]

Bernadette refers to the Québécois, unlike Irish Catholics, French Catholics in Quebec were allowed to keep their language, their educational institutions, their Catholic faith and their property. To compare Francophone Catholics in Quebec under British rule and subsequent Canadian Constitutional Government, to Irish Catholics in Northern Ireland, is to say the least spurious and disingenuous.

[@leonlevinsky8194]

I agree. I find her lectures boring and outdated. The days of raising a fist and fighting the man are long gone.

[@rdh-daliasjb3796]

@@leonlevinsky8194 "The days of raising a fist and fighting the man are long gone." What a sad statement.

[@BrianMcGuirkBMG]

@@leonlevinsky8194 That's the spirit!

[@gerryclarke9795]

@@leonlevinsky8194 Why are you here then.