Sir John Gorman, who has died aged 91, was an unusual figure in Northern Irish life, in that he came from a Roman Catholic family with unionist beliefs. By the time he came to politics and the peace process, he had a wealth of military, business and public-sector experience to draw on.
During his time as head of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (1979-85) the Troubles were at their height and the organisation was easy prey to terrorists presiding over a web of lucrative protection rackets and extortion. The executive was especially vulnerable, as it built and maintained public housing in the areas worst affected. Despite the risk to himself and contractors, Gorman made it a priority to curb this activity and, together with the construction industry, he launched a drive to curb the racketeers.
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