This is one of the most important books written about Northern Ireland politics. The book attempts to analyze the political and military strategies of Sinn Fein and the Provisional IRA during the last fourty years. O'Doherty's analysis is both astute and comprehensive.He describes this book as an attempt "... to unpick some of the mythology of republicanism." He concludes that IRA strategies have prevented agreement among the major parites, and have closed off options for settling constitutional problems and bringing peace. Essentially these strategies have depended upon the use or threatened use of violence. To O'Doherty these "guns" mean that "...you have to give the benefit of the doubt, over and over again, to the people that hold them."

His principal objection to IRA strategy is obvious. It relies on violence or the threat of violence for its effectiveness.However his analysis of IRA strategy is broad and comprehensive, allowing him to skillfully argue that the republican position is neither solely reactive or defensive, but is shrewd, violent and calculating. The importance he attaches to "picking the myths" becomes apparent. The myths are the means by which paramilitary organizations justify strategies of violence and cloak their patent immorality in doctrines of historical necessity. The end is real, the violence is only part of an ongoing struggle.

Whether expressly articulated or not, the book implores the reader to realize that in a humane society all strategies must be judged by the effect they have on those they are imposed upon. The author's conclusion is that IRA strategy has not served the interests of any community in Northern Ireland. His reasoning is formidable and begs a reply.