Ivan Fox, a Londoner and non-practising Jew, is sent by his boss to Northern Ireland to run the Belfast branch of Drummond's Tobacco Co. Here he is confronted with age-old Catholic and Protestant attitudes. As a self-proclaimed Atheist, Ivan cannot relate and is dismayed when everyone attempts to categorize him by religion. Ivan is sought after by George Nathan,"The Jew-finder General", who is "singlehandedly trying to repopulate the Jewish community in Belfast." George's family is a good, solid Jewish one with one exception; his daughter is dating a Catholic ex-convict. On the work-front, Ivan must decide if he will hire some Catholics at the all-Protestant Drummond's. This is met by opposition from his Works Manager, Charlie Adamson...