1997 Chevy Suburban Brake light switch

I can't figure out how to remove the brake light switch. There seems to be some kind of metal clip at the end of the rod that connects it to the brake arm. I have tried to pry it off with a screw driver and have only succeded in making things worse by bending and breaking this clip but not removing it. I have only room for a screw driver and cannot get needle nose pliers up there. Any advide? Thanks.