assiduous in having its tale of 'the struggle' committed to history, but the Hunger Strike has been given a wide berth. Some years ago, as the 20th anniversary of the Hunger Strike approached, I was told by a senior republican that the reason for staying away from the Hunger Strike was 'because of the range of views, feelings and passions it could arouse within the movement -- not all of them positive.' He was right about that, but whatever those views feelings and passions, it is time for truth to shine. THE OTHER PLAYERS IN compiling this special edition extensive efforts were made to contact most of the main players from the hunger strike era. Attempts were made to get the views and recollections of British government and Northern Ireland Office officials from that period. However due to ill-health, the then prime minister Margaret Thatcher and Secretary of State Jim Prior, who took over the role towards the end of the Hunger Strike, were not available. Humphrey Atkins, who was secretary of state from 1979 to September 1981, and Prisons Minster Michael Allison, have both since died. Others including Lord Gowrie who followed Mr Allison, were not available for interview, while former senior prison officials in the Maze have since died or were unavailable for comment. Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams was asked for his views on the hunger strike but was not available. Danny Morrison, Sinn Fein publicity director during the hunger strikes, declined to take part as did