Chris Ryder Bücher

This major historical study of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) by one of Northern Ireland's foremost commentators traces the fundamental flaws that haunted its entire service. The Fateful Split is the graphic and often disturbing story of a uniquely controversial institution, from its formation as a barrier between sectarian factions, to its contentious and tragic role in the Troubles of the last thirty years. At the same time, it provides an astonishing background history to more than a century of Irish domestic discord, including Gladstone's failed Home Rule Acts of the late nineteenth century, the partition of Ireland, the horror of the Troubles, and the establishment of the brittle Good Friday Agreement, in which, amid accusations of sectarian bias, the RUC was generally recognized as an impediment to reconciliation and began its transformation into the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Do you ever think that your life was meant to be different? That you are not exactly what you were intended to be? Would you change anything if you had the opportunity? Meet Steve Parrish, who has been chosen as the lucky recipient of a once-in-a-lifetime chance to turn it all around. To become a version of himself that he never thought possible. Join Steve on his momentous journey as he comes face-to-face with the circumstances that have shaped the person he is... or was... or will be.

The RUC tells the inside story of the 13, 000 men and women of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. According to Interpol, Northern Ireland is the most dangerous place in the world to be a police officer. Since 1969 over 300 members of the RUC have given their lives and another 9, 000 have been maimed and injured in the course of duty. Chris Ryder traces the origins of this unique force from the partition of Ireland in the early 1920's, to the turmoil of the troubles and the challenges set down by the Patten Report at the turn of the century. THE RUC is a fascinating, authoritative history of a force under fire, facing the tests of change.