The Ulster Tales

Book excerpt: “Presents an insider’s account of the experiences of ten Britons who were prominently involved in the Northern Ireland ‘troubles’ between 1969 and 2000.” —Perspectives on Terrorism The Ulster Tales captures the lives and experiences of ten individuals who were caught up in the Troubles. Each has a very distinct story to tell according to their role and position. Arranged roughly in chronological order, the book covers the media, military, intelligence, police, business, politics, and civil service. The first “tale” is that of Simon Hoggart, the journalist who reported for the Guardian newspaper in Belfast and London from the start. The military angle is covered by the GOC at a critical moment (General Sir Richard Lawson), a Private in The Green Howards from Barnsley, and a widow. A member of MI5 and a key Source Handler represent the Intelligence effort. The politician is Tom King who was Secretary of State at the time of the Anglo-Irish Agreement and narrowly avoided assassination, and we hear of the role of a top civil servant, Sir John Blelloch. “The Policeman’s Tale” is that of a young Met officer who transferred to the RUC. The book is both a tribute to the many who dedicated their lives to the fight against terrorism and an original and interesting way of promoting a better understanding of the complex Northern Ireland situation. “Sheds new light on a long and bloody military campaign. Each is moving and revealing, in varying degree, but all are uniformly absorbing.” —The Times “Veterans of the conflict will probably find the varied perspectives of policemen, businessmen, and civil servants a stimulating contrast to their own experience.” —Terrorism and Political Violence