Honest Ulsterman, The

a quarterly journal of poetry and criticism begun in 1968 by James Simmons, who promoted an ideal of cultural and personal individuality in his editorials. In its early years the magazine was an invaluably non-sectarian platform for the growing reputation of Ulster poetry. Derek Mahon, Seamus Heaney, Michael Longley, Ciaran Carson, Tony Harrison, and Iain Crichton Smith have been among the regular contributors. Frank Ormsby maintained the magazine's eclectically authoritative ethos as editor from 1969 to 1989, when he was succeeded by his assistant Robert Johnstone. A ‘Business Section’ under the authorship of ‘Jude the Obscure’ has appeared in each issue since 1970, often providing the vehicle for penetrating critical articles on a wide range of writers and literary topics. The Honest Ulsterman has produced pamphlets by numerous contributing poets, which include titles by Tom Paulin, Peter Porter, Paul Muldoon, Gavin Ewart, and Carol Rumens.