John McMichael

John McMichael
Born	9 January 1948 Lisburn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Died	22 December 1987(1987-12-22) (aged 39) Lisburn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Cause of death	Multiple injuries resulting from a car bomb explosion
Burial place	New Blaris Cemetery, Lisburn
Other names	"Big John"
Known for	Ulster Defence Association brigadier "Ulster Freedom Fighters" commander Leader of the Ulster Democratic Party
Political party	Ulster Democratic Party
Spouses	Phyllis McMichael Shirley McDowell
Children	Gary McMichael Saul McMichael

John McMichael (9 January 1948 – 22 December 1987) was a Northern Irish loyalist who rose to become the most prominent and charismatic figure within the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) as the Deputy Commander and leader of its South Belfast Brigade. He was also commander of the "Ulster Freedom Fighters" (UFF), a cover name for the UDA, overseeing an assassination campaign against prominent republican figures whose details were included in a notorious "shopping list" derived from leaked security forces documents. The UDA used the UFF name when it wished to claim responsibility for attacks, thus allowing it to remain a legal paramilitary organisation until August 1992 when it was proscribed by the British Government.

McMichael held political office as leader of the Ulster Democratic Party (UDP) from 1981 until his death. He was killed outside his home by a booby-trap car bomb which was carried out by the Provisional IRA.