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.
- Update frequency
- every 20 days
- Average duration
- 36 minutes
- Episodes
- 67
- Years Active
- 2021 - 2025
The Post-Policing Gaze: Problems of Ego and Reputation
Another impromptu episode, of sorts, before I continue my look at PIRA's 'no alternative' to violence and state-terrorism.
Here, I'm momentarily reflecting upon Special Branch handlers, Northern Iris…
State-Terrorism and PIRA's 'No Alternative' to violence: Part I: From NICRA to OCGs
The first episode looking at a new series of topics. I've an awful lot to unpack in succeeding episodes, so this is more of an episode in which I will begin to establish some factors preceding the Tr…
Trailer for State-Terrorism + Did PIRA Really Have No Alternative To Violence?
Stakeknife and the Ripple of Terror. Addendum: 'Enjoy the War, the Peace Is Going to be Terrible!'
A brief addition as I wanted to close-up any loose ends before moving on to a new episode in which will be looking at PIRA and their assertion that there was no alternative to violence.
It just remain…
Stakeknife and the Ripple of Terror. Part III: Court Martials and a pause for now.
Pausing my consideration of Stakeknife and asset handling for now. I sure I can pick up this thread again once the Op Kenova report is finally published, but for now I want to concentrate on future e…
Brief response re queries about my novel
Another very short interlude just in respect of those who've been discovering my first couple of episodes and if my novel is still available.
The link is here. It's self-published as I wrote it as per…
Stakeknife and the Ripple of Terror. Part II: An Unreliable Narrator
A lot packed into this episode, partly by design, partly by divergence. Continuing on the theme of assets, handlers, TCG and RUC Special Branch. How were things managed, or mismanaged? Troubles' hist…
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…
'A sledgehammer used to miss a fly': Counterinsurgency and State Violence Part II
This episode concludes (for the time being anyway!) my look at the RUC and accusations of collusion. However, as I write this more seeds of research into this topic are dropping into my inbox!
Neverth…
'Better to have one man whom you can hang': Counterinsurgency and State Violence Part I
This episode will, more or less, set up the episode(s) to follow. I'll discuss aspects of how Britain once looked to deal with internal threats and / or insurgency. Beginning with the 19th centaury I…
All The Dead Men's Dreams: Sinn Féin, Commemoration and the Complex Reality of Ireland
Another unplanned episode. This time I consider Michelle O'Neill's laying of a wreath at the cenotaph in Belfast on Remembrance Sunday and the reaction to same. I guess the theme of this episode is t…
The Royal Ulster Constabulary and Collusion: Intelligence Collisions and Contamination
This episode continues my look at the Royal Ulster Constabulary and allegations of collusion. To be honest, I naively thought that I would, most likely, have provided an overarching look at the subje…
Quick Changeover
This is just an extremely brief update to let you know what to expect on the next episode.
Also, Buzzsprout have put a link on the Stray Bullets webpage which lets you send me feedback about the podca…
The Royal Ulster Constabulary and Collusion: Agent Handling Part II
This is the concluding episode in which I look at issues related by a retired RUC Special Branch officer as quoted from the work cited below, as well as my thoughts on such.
Work cited in this episo…
The Royal Ulster Constabulary and Collusion: Agent Handling Part I
This episode continues my look at allegations of collusion against the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Obviously, there's nothing revelatory within (other than some aspects of agent handling and possible …
The Royal Ulster Constabulary and Collusion: Impromptu Episode: Intelligence Streams
This is an interim, or rather impromptu, episode of sorts. In it I consider my working relationship with an Intelligence Cell within the British Army during the very early years of my career, and how…
Blue Lights and Love Squads
Another unplanned episode, but one generated from a number of questions I've received from listeners asking if I'd planned to discuss Blue Lights Season 2 in much the same way as I did for Season 1. …
The Royal Ulster Constabulary and Collusion. Part I: Personal Observations
Given the contentious nature of the subject topic discussed in this episode I've added some caveats which I've outlined at the beginning. I'd just have to reiterate that the episode just reflects my …
Armagh GAA Bags All-Ireland Win As PSNI On Hot Coals Overs Flags
Another 'impromptu' episode! This time I'll be (hurriedly, sorry time waits ... ) discussing the political rants following Armagh GAA winning the All-Ireland title on Sunday 28th July 2024. Moreso, b…