Ringside Seats: An Insider’s View of the Crisis in Northern Ireland

Description

Provides an insider’s first-hand account of many of the most turbulent moments in Northern Ireland’s recent history. The author rose to the rank of Deputy Secretary in the Northern Ireland Civil Service, having been Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, and experienced and recorded such events as the Civil Rights campaign, the rise of the provisional IRA, the fall of Terence O’Neill, internment, Bloody Sunday, Direct Rule and the last days of the old Stormont.

An often personal account of events as they unfolded, the author also paints pen portraits of the principal personalities involved, explaining their actions and motivations. The personalities described are not only those in the political limelight, but also senior officials, whose behind-the-scenes influence has frequently made a significant impact on government policies and decisions. The author also gives an informed commentary on the development of the overall situation, drawing on sources within the administrative machine and the security forces.

About the Author

Robert Ramsay rose to the rank of Deputy Secretary in the Northern Ireland Civil Service, having been Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister. After direct rule, he was European Director of Inward Investment in Brussels, before becoming Principal Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. In the second half of his career he held senior posts in the European Parliament. Since 1999 he has been an international consultant.