Ian Milne: New book tells story of undertaker’s secret double life as Drumcree mediator

A new book by author and broadcaster Ivan Little lifts the lid on how a Portadown undertaker led a secret double life as a mediator during the Drumcree dispute.
Funeral director Ian Milne and his son StuartFuneral director Ian Milne and his son Stuart
Funeral director Ian Milne and his son Stuart

Ian Milne has worn many hats over the years, joining the RUC in the late 1970s and going on to spend spells working as an auctioneer and estate agent, as a prison officer and, for the last 21 years, running his funeral directors business across Portadown, Banbridge and Lurgan.

In ‘A Matter of Life and Death’ Mr Little details Mr Milne’s previously little-known role in meeting leading republicans and Portadown loyalist Billy Wright, as well as the Orange Order and Gerry Adams.

His efforts came agonisingly close to a breakthrough as he shuttled between the two sides with a series of proposals, with both sides now going on record to praise him.

Ivan Little has written a new book about Portadown funeral director Ian MilneIvan Little has written a new book about Portadown funeral director Ian Milne
Ivan Little has written a new book about Portadown funeral director Ian Milne

Recently he arranged a funeral of a man in Portadown where many of the leading figures on both sides came to pay their respects.

“I said to them – ‘boys for 20 years I have tried to get you all in one room and this gentleman has succeeded tonight’. They thought that was hilarious.”

He developed a taste for mediation after being involved in a few small projects. “My father always taught me that nothing was worth fighting about. You should just talk about it.”

His entry into Drumcree came with a call to Dr Chris Gibson, then NI head of the CBI.

Ian Milne as a young policeman, far left.Ian Milne as a young policeman, far left.
Ian Milne as a young policeman, far left.

“I told him that 25% of the gross national product of Northern Ireland comes from within five miles of Drumcree and that we need to sort this out to save the economy.”

Dr Gibson agreed to go and speak to a Roman Catholic women’s organisation while Mr Milne spoke to the Orange Order and residents’ spokesman Breandán Mac Cionnaith.

He later went on to complete a related Master’s degree at Queen’s University Belfast.

His biography also recounts how when he was 11-years-old he was sexually abused by a family friend. He hopes the book may bring other people forward who were also abused, as police said they need more witnesses for a prosecution.

Author Ian Little (left) with Ian MilneAuthor Ian Little (left) with Ian Milne
Author Ian Little (left) with Ian Milne

Another dark chapter unwraps how, during the banking crash of 2008, pressure to repay loans almost drove him to take his life.

His years in the RUC are also unpacked, detailing the murder of colleagues and brushes with death.

And he recounts the story of how personal links with Tony Blair resulted in organising a funeral for a Chinese woman who was brutally murdered by sex traffickers in Belfast. 

:: ‘A Matter of Life and Death’ will be released soon on www.amazon.co.uk

Enquiries about sourcing the book may also be made to the publisher at [email protected] or on 07712 898 587

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