A 30-minute programme, hosted by Richard Whiteley and Geoff Druett. The first section explores the responsibilities of new Prime Minister John Major, and how he may combat these problems. William Hague MP features here in discussion with Whiteley. Segment two sees a further discussion on Major’s first day in No.10 Downing Street, with Ann Taylor MP featuring. A featurette on the political landscape of Northern Ireland follows Labour MP Kevin MacNamara as he speaks to local leaders and...

A 30-minute programme, hosted by Richard Whiteley and Geoff Druett. The first section explores the responsibilities of new Prime Minister John Major, and how he may combat these problems. William Hague MP features here in discussion with Whiteley. Segment two sees a further discussion on Major’s first day in No.10 Downing Street, with Ann Taylor MP featuring. A featurette on the political landscape of Northern Ireland follows Labour MP Kevin MacNamara as he speaks to local leaders and communities about the issues created by Catholic and Protestant tensions. Finally, the Westminster Diary segment shows Thatcher’s last PM’s Questions, and Major’s first oppositions in the House of Commons. As Thatcher’s time as Prime Minister ends, the first segment looks ahead at immediate problems facing new prime minister, John Major. He has quickly appointed a new cabinet, but now is left with unfinished business to repair from previous administration. Issues surrounding the Gulf, the economy, Europe, and the Community Charge are thought to be amongst the biggest issues. William Hague MP features in the studio. He is unsure what the government will do at this point about Poll Tax, but believes that Heseltine being in charge of the review, and George Young’s involvement as minister of state, shows that the PM is dedicated to resolving this issue. There are no easy options to solve this, because money has to be raised from somewhere, but steps forward have been taken as a party and agreement has been made to re-evaluate this issue. The economy is in recession, with high interest rates and unemployment. Hague believes in maintaining the policies that are now succeeding; no dramatic changes in economic policy are expected, nor does he express employment rates as too big of an issue. In two weeks, the PM has to go to Inter-Governmental Conference on future developments in European committee. Hague does not expect any major differences in Major’s stance in comparison to Thatcher, perhaps in a tone or style in dealing with the problems, but policy substance will be the same. Ann Taylor MP features to discuss John Major further. She suggests lots of disillusioned Conservatives after Major’s first appearance, and that he did not show himself as confident on an economic front; to her, the first impression is not ideal. Labour do not feel intimidated by Major; when they asked him if he would change policies, responses were ambiguous. Taylor believes he seemed very insecure and unsure of his next move. Major said there would be a refinement of poll tax, but Taylor suggests the only viable option is to scrap it completely. Labour have been working for the last few years to create policies that gain appeal, bringing them ahead in opinion polls. She argues that Major’s idea to refine poll tax will not go down well with Northern constituencies, but she believes that this could be advantageous for Labour. Thinks an election should happen as soon as possible, as it is unfair for a PM to be elected into office based on parliamentary votes only. Footage in and across Northern Ireland. For 21 years, Norther Ireland secretaries have come to Ireland in search of a peaceful solution; if Labour win the General election, that job would fall to shadow minister Kevin MacNamara. He believes it is unfair for British politics to view Norther Ireland purely as a place of opportunity, as they have real problems that need to be dealt with. Irish politics requires an understanding of the fears which, in parts of Belfast, still leave Catholics and Protestants physically separated. There is no existing bipartisan policy; MacNamara states that Labour is the only party with interests in commitment to a united Ireland, which cuts them off from other parties, but provides an alternative perspective on the issues in Ireland. In an interview with a local leader, he explains that it is important for local community leaders to have a connection with key people in Britain interested in Northern Ireland, as it is their aim to promote understanding and discussions around the people of Ireland and what is happening. MacNamara speaks to local communities about their concerns; housing improvements have been made, but there are not enough opportunities for people to stay. Footage of Derry is also shown. Labour leaders are anxious to show support for the roles of the armies in Derry. Despite the violence, there are signs of hope; footage of a football match between Catholic and Protestant teams, organised by peace and reconciliation groups that aim to promote peace. A move towards integrated education in non-Catholic or Protestant schools is also a positive sign. MacNamara finalises that a politician from Britain can only help with issues, but the people of Ireland are the only ones who truly can solve them. The Westminster Diary segment sees Thatcher’s 698th, and last, PM’s questions. Footage in House of Commons. Thatcher has taken a seat on the backbenches since Major’s instatement. Major is questioned by a Labour spokesman on poll tax and how policies will differ from political predecessors. Central Office Agent Eric Ward features in an interview. Having organised visits for Thatcher in the UK, he states that she wanted to meet as many people as possible, and disagrees with the idea she wanted to see only the societal successes. Featuring WILLIAM HAGUE MP, ANN TAYLOR MP, ERIC WARD CBE Graphics DAVE HARTLEY Eng Editor NIGEL ROWE Production Assistant ELLIE GOODALL Director DAVID MONTAGUE Producer CHARLOTTE MILLIGAN Political Editors RICHARD WHITELEY, GEOFF DRUETT Executive Producer GRAHAM IRONSIDE Yorkshire Television LTD 1990 YORKSHIRE TELEVSISON Production