Northern Ireland was always going to be a problem to Mr Mercer. He had very little support in Government. Remember, in January 2017 Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Mark Lancaster MP told Mercer and the rest of the Defence Committee that he supported Sinn Féin's position on the Military Covenant, as applied to Northern Ireland. (That is, it doesn't apply). Mercer took the job knowing he had that hurdle to overcome. He tried, but failed. I wonder if his successor will try?
Richard Dangle quoted John Cook, above. It is little known that at least one of the Mull of Kintyre RUC widows is still harrassed and door-stepped by security and plod, seeking to acquire evidence that can be used against troops.