ABSTRACT
The middle classes in Northern Ireland live prosperous lives, visibly untroubled by terrorist events. Terrorists contain within their own minds experiences of terror and fear which they then project on to others. The chapter illustrates how the more negative processes are most prevalent in the troubled mind of Northern Ireland. In contrast, a negative group is characterized by three states of mind. First, there is a state where group members depend on the leader for all the answers. Second, they pair up to provide a third personality to overthrow the group leader. The third state of mind is referred to as the fight–flight. To offer an alternative view would invite the wrath of an internal psychotic personality that intimidates the patient with death and destruction. The manic defences of triumph, control, and contempt surround the sporting icons and their natural talents get hijacked by the psychotic personality that demands more buzz.
