Troubles to be satirised in new novel

The Northern Ireland Troubles are to be laid bare in a satirical new novel in which the protagonist assassinates politicians and paramilitary leaders with the acquiescence of state officials.

Woundlicker is the first novel by former journalist Jason Johnson, who has covered many of the killings in Northern Ireland.

"Woundlicker is a story without heroes set in a city where there are far too many," Johnson told The Independent on Sunday. "It's the tale of a young man who has fallen through the sectarian cracks.He decides to take on those responsible for the Troubles by employing violent means."

Johnson believes his novel, published this week by Blackstaff (£6.99), will strike a chord with those who are fed up with sectarianism, but he also says it will make for uncomfortable reading for politicians and terrorist leaders.