Faulkner, Brian (1921-1977), was prime minister of Northern Ireland from 1971 until the position was suspended in March 1972. Until the end of 1973, the United Kingdom government ruled Northern Ireland directly from London. For a few months in 1974, Faulkner was chief minister of a government body called the Northern Ireland executive. This executive collapsed after a strike by Protestants who opposed it, and direct rule resumed.