Stray Bullets
The Stray Bullets podcast, hosted by E.S. Haggan, frequently discusses the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), often drawing on Haggan's experiences as a former RUC/PSNI officer.
The podcast delves into various aspects of the RUC, including:
- The Troubles: Haggan openly addresses policing during the Troubles, including religion, politics, sectarianism, and related ideologies.
- Collusion: Episodes explore allegations of RUC collusion with loyalist paramilitaries and related inquiries like the Stevens Inquiries.
- Catholic officers: The podcast examines the experiences of Catholic police officers within the RUC and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), highlighting challenges like isolation, sectarianism, and racism.
- Specific incidents: Haggan discusses specific events and atrocities related to the Troubles, using his novel "The Bitter End of Dreams" as a framework to explore these topics while avoiding potential libel.
The podcast provides a unique perspective on the RUC and the Troubles, informed by Haggan's personal experiences and detailed discussions of his novel.
Stray Bullets
Stakeknife and the Ripple of Terror. Part I: Just War Unjust Peace
2025 and many journalists, as well as 'security commentors', circle John Boucher's suite and Sir Iain Livingstone's secretary as they vie for an 'exclusive' and / or interview upon the publication of the full Op Kenova report. Already there's been a gradual flurry of activity in the form of publications touting to have the real story of 'Stakeknife' and the clandestine world of murder and betrayal in which he operated.
So, this episode begins my venture into the muddy waters of terrorism by state and non-state actors. Who had the moral high ground? Who fought a 'just war'? Who was 'victorious'? Just some of the questions I hope to cover in successive episodes. This being Part I is introductory as such. I'll also be alluding to Richard O'Rawe's book, Stakeknife's Dirty War (and possibly that of Ian Hurst (writing as Martin Ingram)).
Succeeding episodes will also look at the Tasking and Co-ordinating Group as well as PIRA's Internal Security Unit.
Works cited in this episode
O'Rawe, Richard, Stakeknife's Dirty War, Merrion Press, Ireland, 2023.
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