The Derryman who announced one of the most famous electoral results in Northern Irish history has written a book about his experiences.
Former NI Chief Electoral Officer Pat Bradley was broadcast around the world as he announced the “71.12%” result of the Good Friday Referendum in footage that is still regularly screened to this day.
The book is the story of how someone with no background and very little training in electoral law and process found himself in charge of Northern Ireland’s elections at its most challenging time - and becoming a recognised world expert in the process.
Read more: Missing rescue dog in Derry prompts widescale searches
The early part of the book relates how Pat Bradley found himself appointed Deputy Electoral Officer in 1974 and then Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland in 1980.
A series of key elections affecting NI’s future took place during his time in office – from the election of Hunger Striker Bobby Sands in 1981, to the Forum elections in 1996 and the Good Friday Agreement referendum in 1998.
After the referendum, the Secretary of State at the time wrote to him and said: “The organisation and administration of the elections was a truly formidable task, but one which you performed with remarkable skill.
"Its success is a real testament to your expertise, commitment and unique ability”.
Pat was awarded an MBE in 1986 and a CBE in 1999, both ‘For Service to the Electoral Process’.
The knowledge and expertise Pat acquired in Northern Ireland was highly sought after by international organisations like the United Nations and European Union in their attempts to introduce or enhance democracy in areas of conflict.
Pat was a Technical Advisor in the first full democratic elections held in South Africa in 1994 in which Nelson Mandela was elected, as well as the first democratic elections held in a number of post-Communist European nations, including Russia.
An outline of Pat’s experiences is provided in the book, complete with details of various comical situations and close shaves he encountered in the process.
Tom Frawley, former Northern Ireland Ombudsman and current Deputy Chair of the NI Policing Board, wrote the foreword to ‘Ballots, Bombs & Bullets’.
He said : “This book provides a personal perspective into the life and times of a senior public servant, who occupied a pivotal role in one of the critical strands of our public life – overseeing the cycle of elections that eventually took us to the Good Friday Agreement referendum and the new Assembly.
"Pat Bradley for me warrants our recognition for a life of public service dedicated to the people of Northern Ireland and beyond”.
‘Ballots, Bombs and Bullets’ is published by Colmcille Press and can be bought online.
It is also available in Belfast from No Alibis book shop (Botanic Ave) and in Derry from Little Acorns Bookstore (Foyle Street) and Foyle Books (Craft Village).
Read more: Derry theatre company's 'emotional' and 'unique' show with important disability message
Read more: Ballougry Primary School: Silent Witness actress joins fight to save Co Derry primary school
To get the latest breaking news from Co Derry straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
