The Ulster Tales: A Tribute to Those Who Served, 1969-2000

John Wilsey | 2011 | ISBN: 1848845243 | English | 224 pages | ePUB | 7 MB

Presents an insiders 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 Policemans 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.