John McMichael | |
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| Born | 9 January 1948 Lisburn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland |
| Died | 22 December 1987 (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 |
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| Children | 2, including Gary 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.