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The Long and the Short of It

Series 5

Were the B Specials the paramilitary wing of the Unionists?

Duration: 30 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC Radio UlsterLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio Ulster

Tim McGarry, a six-foot-four comedian, joins vertically challenged Orangeman and historian Dr David Hume to look at a number of fascinating historical incidents and people in Irish history. The unlikely duo investigates well known historical events from different perspectives, to give the listener the long and the short of it. In this the final programme in the series they examine when the Ulster Special Constabulary came into being and reassess the B Men's controversial reputation. They meet at Union Theological College in Belfast its Principal, the Very Rev Stafford Carson and historian Dr Jonathan Bardon; historian Dr Marie Coleman at the location of the McMahon murders in North Belfast; and Professor Graham Walker in Belfast City centre, at the spot of the murder of the Unionist MP William Twaddell in 1922. Show less

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