The public clamour in Northern Ireland regarding the Troubles is becoming ever louder: “Let’s have the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”

I totally agree. Let’s have it all out in the open. However, to get an idea of what we’re up against, let’s consider the overall context.

What about the paramilitaries (former and current), their stalwart defenders and various other fellow travellers?

Well, while there are indeed elements from amongst that lot who are part of the clamour for truth, let’s not kid ourselves. They’re each very selective about which particular “truths” they want exposed.

Cormac Moore: Éamon de Valera and the story of the ‘Sinn Féin rabbi’

Noel Doran: The astonishing rise and incredible fall of Iris Robinson

Hardly surprising, given that throughout the Troubles (and to this day) paramilitaries and their associates on all sides were riddled with informers, agents, and double agents.

Even from the relatively little that has leaked out over the years, it’s clear that the greatest threat to a paramilitary member’s well-being usually came from the multiple back-coverers and........

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