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Episode details

Radio Ulster,21 May 2022,31 mins,

SeriesThe Handler – A Matter of Life and Death

Episode 7: Blurred Lines

Assume Nothing
Contains strong language, some violent scenes and some scenes which some viewers may find upsetting.

Available for over a year

A dramatized memoir of a Special Branch Officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living. Episode 7: Blurred lines James is worried that too many agencies have become involved in intelligence gathering, and shares his thoughts on allegations of collusion between the security forces and loyalist paramilitaries. Captain Robert Nairac assists James by helping a new IRA Officer Commanding have a change of heart, but Nairac’s risk-taking is placing him in ever increasing danger. Cast: James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Robert Nairac – Patrick Fitzsymons PIRA Officer Commanding – Michael Patrick A BBC Northern Ireland Production

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