The Ulster Tales captures the lives and experiences of ten
individuals from mainland Britain who
found themselves caught up in the Northern Irish Troubles. Each has a very
distinct story to tell according to their role and position.
The first ‘tale’ is that of Simon Hoggart, The Guardian journalist
who reported in Belfast and Londonderry from the outset. The military angle is covered
by the GOC at a critical moment (General Sir Richard Lawson), a young soldier in
The Green Howards from Barnsley and by Anne
Blair, who was widowed at Warrenpoint. A member of MI5 and a key source handler
represent the Intelligence effort. The political perspective is given by Tom
King, the Secretary of State at the time of the Anglo-Irish Agreement, who
narrowly avoided assassination. We hear of the role of a top civil servant, Sir
John Blelloch closely connected with the 1981 Hunger Strike. The Policeman’s
Tale is that of a young Met officer who transferred to the RUC and nearly became
Chief Constable.
Through the experiences of these ten, very different individuals, the
momentous events in the Province are graphically described. Thanks to the
Author’s exceptional knowledge and access, the reader gains a unique and
privileged insight into the political, military and industrial aspects of
this troubled period.
As well as being a tribute to those who dedicated their lives to the
fight against terrorism, The Ulster Tales is an original and interesting way of
gaining a better understanding of the ever complex Northern Ireland
situation.
