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 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 represents 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.
