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Assume Nothing

The Handler – A Matter of Life and Death

The Handler Episode 7: Blurred Lines

Duration: 31 minutes

First broadcast:

Available for over a year

A dramatized memoir of a Special Branch Officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living.

Episode 7: Blurred lines

James is worried that too many agencies have become involved in intelligence gathering, and shares his thoughts on allegations of collusion between the security forces and loyalist paramilitaries. Captain Robert Nairac assists James by helping a new IRA Officer Commanding have a change of heart, but Nairac’s risk-taking is placing him in ever increasing danger.

Cast:

James – Jonathan Harden
Interviewer – Michael Patrick
Robert Nairac – Patrick Fitzsymons
PIRA Officer Commanding – Michael Patrick

A BBC Northern Ireland Production Show less

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