Wealth blow shortens life

PEOPLE who lose 75% of their wealth suddenly are 50% more likely to die in the next 20 years.

A study found such loss of net worth was linked to mental health problems.

Professor Lindsay Pool, of Northwestern University in the US, said: “Our findings offer new evidence for a potentially important social determinant of health that so far has not been recognised.”

The comedian, from Dundrum, Co Down, was 16 when he was called into the head’s office at school to hear the news.

He said: “They said to me,

‘Your dad’s been shot’. I remember saying almost immediately, ‘Is he dead?’, and they said yes.”

Dad Jack, 45, was in his building firm’s office when members of the Loyalist

Ulster Freedom Fighters sprayed it with bullets.

Patrick, 47, has returned to his home village for a BBC1 documentary on the Troubles. And he said: “I can’t forgive them. But whether or not these people are in jail, it’s not going to

bring Dad back. I felt if this is what has to happen to stop this happening to someone else, I’ll suck that up. I won’t hug them and tell them it was OK – but I want to move on.”

Jack was being extorted by James Pratt Craig of the Ulster Defence Association, who learned he was helping TV investigator Roger Cook expose him. Killers William Bell, David Curlett and Delbert Watson got life but were freed under the Good Friday Agreement.

Patrick, who has two brothers, said: “My uncle had been approached by the IRA who said, ‘We could use good lads like those Kielty lads if they’re interested in revenge’. They were told where to go. Everyone wants to believe their loved one died for a cause. But my dad died for nothing.”

In the show Patrick, married to TV presenter Cat Deeley, meets jailed UVF killer Billy Hutchinson, who has renounced violence, and Richard Moore, who forgave the soldier who blinded him.

And with Brexit looming, he visits the border and hopes the current peace will endure.

■ My Dad, the Peace Deal and Me is on tonight at 9pm. William Bell