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Stray Bullets

Stray Bullets

By: E.S. Haggan
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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.


'There are no facts, only interpretations.'

Friedrich Nietzsche



© 2026 Stray Bullets
Social Sciences True Crime
Episodes
  • Whited Sepulchres: Jeffrey Donaldson, Sexual Offending and Moral Disguise
    Jun 26 2026

    In light of the conviction of Jeffrey Donaldson on Monday 22nd June 2026 I thought I'd take a look at some of the behaviour employed by sex offenders, especially in the context of Protestant Fundamentalist Christianity. I also look at the similar organisational environments where corruption can thrive due to collectivist mindsets.

    There has been a disgraceful surge in members of the DUP, Unionism and even loyalism clamouring to distance themselves from Donaldson as well as decrying his behaviour. A number of political and public figures also openly intimating that they were of his predatory and, in some cases, hypocritical behaviour, yet these self same paragons of virtue kept quiet about such, why? I look at possible reasons, too.

    Are we now, yet again, witnessing the rot and ruin behind the DUP's godly-white walls?

    Also, here's the link for Chris Moore's definitive book about Kincora cover-up

    References:

    Dos Santos, Simone Miranda and Lemes, Sirei, Corruption and Religiosity: A Cross-Country Analysis Medicated by Accounting Quality, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Brazil, 2022

    Click here if you’d like to send me a comment or question. Thank you.

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    49 mins
  • Belfast Race Riots June 2026
    Jun 18 2026

    The violence of the past week has brought Northern Ireland to the global media stage (violence and intolerance are two of our best products!). Fuelled by an abhorrent attempted murder which was seized upon by right-wing populist groups, idealogues, demagogues as well as several extremely wealthy sponsors of right-wing political parties. Of course, a number of clandestine foreign actors employed agitprop, militant accelerationism and and synthetic media also added fuel to the fires. Naturally, homegrown organised crime groups (UDA, UVF etc.) also clambered aboard, coercing youths into racism, rioting, 'green-lighting' streets / addresses / premises to be attacked and destroyed, as well as intimidation and threats to anyone who wasn't white.

    There was much faux handwringing in some political corners, noticeably those who seek to normalise racist attitudes as a strategy to secure votes and power. Others in the NI Assembly simply muttered about 'legitimate concerns' while turning their back to burning homes.

    It seems in Northern Ireland continued political dysfunction, failure and apathy are best illuminated by the light of a burning nurse's car.

    Click here if you’d like to send me a comment or question. Thank you.

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    41 mins
  • Asset Handling in Northern Ireland: A Return Examination Part II
    May 30 2026

    Continuing my look at asset handling during the Troubles. Some asides included: the light and dark of Special Branch as imagined by popular media (Blue Lights), the aspect of 'reputation', organisational and personal. Finally, some extracts from The Bass Player by Stephen Travers.

    The Bass Player: Surviving the Miami Showband Massacre

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    55 mins
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