Roddy Paisley publishes political satire set in Northern Ireland

Professor Roddy Paisley, chair of Scots law at the University of Aberdeen – best known for his work on the law of servitudes and property law – has written a novel entitled Ballycarson Blues.

It is a political satire set in a fictional town, Ballycarson, in the North of Ireland or Northern Ireland (whichever the reader prefers).

It centres on the interaction of the two local communities with the influx of Eastern and Central Europeans who have come to work at the salami factory.

The newcomers find that the town is divided by a peace wall, akin to the iron curtain. The other characters in the town comprise the considerable number of descendants of Germans who have arrived in the area over several centuries who get on with life and also the numerous local politicians who like to argue about important constitutional issues like the colour of paint on a wall.

The story line includes the members of the talented local musical ensemble in the form of a flute band. Other significant issues that take up the time of the populace include the disposal of dead dogs, the production of dog food and the imminent visit of the United States President in search of his ancestors.

Professor Paisley said: “It is a humorous story of petty political wrangling and the intricacies of the peace process.

“The book can be purchased on Amazon. I will not be asking an exam question on it as part of the Final Honours examinations.”