David McKittrick has reported on the Northern Ireland troubles since the 1970s. After working for the Irish Times and BBC he has been Ireland correspondent of the London Independent since 1985. Awards include the Orwell Prize, correspondent of the year and Belfast journalist of the year.

David McVea graduated in politics and modern history from Queen's University, Belfast, and has an MA from Sussex University. He was head of the politics department of a Belfast grammar school where he taught both history and political studies.

They were among the authors of the landmark million-word book `Lost Lives,' detailing all those who died in the troubles, which received the Christopher Ewart-Biggs memorial prize for the promotion of peace and understanding in Ireland.