Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. Interned as a suspected republican in Northern Ireland in the 1970s. He was also co-executive producer and 2nd unit director for IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER (1993). Other notable writing credits include SOME MOTHER'S SON (1996, also director), THE BOXER (1997), "A Bright Shining Lie" (1998, TV, also director), "The District" (2000, TV series, also exec. producer & director), HART'S WAR (2002), HOTEL RWANDA (2004, also producer & director), and RESERVATION ROAD (2007, also director). His sister is costume designer Catherine George. In 1978, he married writer Margaret Higgins; they have a daughter, production assistant Oorlagh, and a son, Seamus.  Nominated for Achievement in Writing - Best Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published 1993: IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER (w. Jim Sheridan)  Nominated for Achievement in Writing (Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen) 2004: HOTEL RWANDA (w. Keir Pearson) 2 nominations