Irish Independence Ballymena Election Poster Templates

"Two election poster templates from the Ballymena local election campaign in 1978. My father, Henry Mc Alinden, was standing for election under the Irish Independence Party against the Ian Paisley. The two poster templates were made by my friend, Máire, and Gordon’s father, Seamus Mac Rory. Seamus also printed memorial cards for Bobby Sands. Máire’s dad was a lithographic printer, and both Máire and I knew that he had printed posters for my dad, for the election. However, it wasn’t until after Seamus’ death that we found these poster templates. At this time in Ballymena it was dangerous to be involved in Republican national politics and Henry Mc Alinden received death threats. John Turnley on the H Block committee, was from a Unionist background, but became a Republican and joined the Irish Independence party. John travelled to Carnlough in 1980 to attend a meeting with other councillors, including Henry Mc Alinden discuss development in the area. When his car stopped, three Ulster Defence Association gunmen fired numerous shots at him, hitting him in the chest and body, and he died on the way to the hospital. I have numerous newspaper clippings relating to her father’s activity in politics. There is also a circular to all action groups from the National H Block/Armagh Committee, and a press statement from same, regarding the 1981 26 County General Elections. "