Bernadette McAliskey (Devlin) Part 1 -

The early years and making her mark.

Born in Molesworth Street in Cookstown, by the age of 21, Bernadette was the MP for Mid Ulster and on the front line of the march for Civil Rights in the North of Ireland.

Just nine when her father John died, she recalls her parents love and a note they sent annually to school to protect their children from corporal punishment. She also speaks of the strength and fortitute of her mother Lizzie, who instilled many of her traits in Bernadette.

Dungannon Academy was a happy time when Bernadette made many friends and relished the opportunity at learning. However at Queens University she went along to a Civil Rights march and soon saw the injustice and brutality being inflicted on those calling for equality. It was an activism that would define her life.

A jail term after a show trial didn't quell her passion.

Bernadette recalls slapping smirking Home Secretary Reginald Maudling when she was stopped from speaking in the House of Commons the day after she was in Derry on Bloody Sunday, when 13 civilians were murdered by British paratroopers.

It is a fascinating insight into Bernadette's formative years and becoming a world renowned Civil Rights' leader and orator.