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Man, I really thought we were past this.

Two sappers killed one week, and a policeman the next. I really, really hope those responsible are caught and this doesn't escalate further.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7934762.stm

I must ask and sorry if i sound stupid but weren't the "real" IRA under observation since forever? is there a new chapter for want of a better phrase or is there another reason no-one seems to be doing anything about it?

* as a foot note i am not very clued up on current affairs so i hear about things pretty late on, i dont watch the news EVER and i dont read news papers so if i do sound silly you know why*

Roze wrote:I must ask and sorry if i sound stupid but weren't the "real" IRA under observation since forever? is there a new chapter for want of a better phrase or is there another reason no-one seems to be doing anything about it?

The "real IRA" are a new chapter, as you put it. They were formed when members of the IRA split in disagreement with the wider groups changed political attitude.

ahh okies thanks back to my bubble of none war and happy thoughts

There are several different branches of the IRA- the now disarmed IRA, the Provisional IRA, the Continuity IRA and the Real IRA.
The Real IRA are the most violent, AFAIK.

The violent paramilitaries are really not supported by most people in the Republic or the North by the way. Almost everyone wants peace.

I don't see what anyone suspected, to be really honest. I won't be surprised if it didn't get back to how bad it was during The Troubles. My Godfather was narrowly missed by an IRA bomb (he was a policeman, he swapped duty with another man who was killed doing those rounds), and its often a topic at Family Get-Togethers. Well all know the IRA, and how serious they were at the height of their power; who honestly thought they would roll over like defeated mules and just die?

sA

I'd imagine if the leaders of the real IRA were discovered the British policy on them wouldn't be so friendly as it was with the IRA (when sas soldiers pretty much had there rifles aimed at them every hour of the day but didn't fire) as they don't have support from a political party. This issue is a bit more black and white. Just some idiots to which giving the term terrorist is a bit generous.

smiling Assassin wrote:I don't see what anyone suspected, to be really honest. I won't be surprised if it didn't get back to how bad it was during The Troubles.

I would. That was a military group backed by government members. This is a bunch of monkeys with some guns and explosives.

The difference is that currently there is very little support for them in Ireland. At the height of the Troubles the catholic population of Nothern Ireland was really, really angry. It's not so much now, most people just want to get on with their lives.
(Though of course there is lingering resentment and some pockets where support is strong, but it's a lot less widespread)

I remember when working at Selfridges as a temp over Christmas in the late 70s, often having to search the furniture department for bombs. There was a special coded announcement which meant a bomb warning had been phoned in, we then had to look in all the drawers.

whatwhat wrote:I would. That was a military group backed by government members. This is a bunch of monkeys with some guns and explosives.

And all of the ex-terrorists still trying to work out a 'peace' process when a decade/or so ago were killing civilians in cold blood aren't government members?

People change, but I somehow doubt this is all that of a change. With their aims, it's not as if (how unrealistic and bloody it was last time) they would let up easily.

sA

Maybe you all should ban the rest of your guns from general ownership! That would for sure curb the violence and disarm those responsable for these acts, yes? Or maybe charge more for ammunition or firearms and make it impossible for people to afford shooting. Tougher restrictions and laws perhaps?

What are you talking about?

smiling Assassin wrote:

whatwhat wrote:I would. That was a military group backed by government members. This is a bunch of monkeys with some guns and explosives.

And all of the ex-terrorists still trying to work out a 'peace' process when a decade/or so ago were killing civilians in cold blood aren't government members?

People change, but I somehow doubt this is all that of a change. With their aims, it's not as if (how unrealistic and bloody it was last time) they would let up easily.

sA

You seem to misunderstand the issue. This is 'The real IRA' a small group of ex IRA members with no political power and just a few guns. The irish government will not condone their actions neither will the british, hence its a different issue altogether.

Whatwhat is right. The Real IRA are pretty much despised.

Da Boss wrote:What are you talking about?

That was an argument put forward by some non-US citizens cncerning gun ownership and crime. The argument is just ban firearms. That will stop the crime.

If it is terrorism, does that mean NATO must attack Northern Ireland? I don't know, I'd give the Irish even money vs. the rest of Europe. They are powered by the concentrated awesome of Guiness!

Da Boss wrote:

jp400 wrote:Maybe you all should ban the rest of your guns from general ownership! That would for sure curb the violence and disarm those responsable for these acts, yes? Or maybe charge more for ammunition or firearms and make it impossible for people to afford shooting. Tougher restrictions and laws perhaps?

What are you talking about?

I think he thinks British gun legislation has something to do with the trouble in irleand.

@ jp400, heres a thread about stereotypical americans you might like to read.. http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/232620.page

Da Boss wrote:Whatwhat is right.

yeaaaaaaaah boooiiiii!!!

Frazzled wrote:

Da Boss wrote:What are you talking about?

That was an argument put forward by some non-US citizens cncerning gun ownership and crime. The argument is just ban firearms. That will stop the crime.

Oh right. Well, in this case, the people attacked were soldiers and police. So I'm not really understanding the point here? Guns are already fairly tightly controlled, gun crime is very low, I don't think the terrorism is related.

If it is terrorism, does that mean NATO must attack Northern Ireland? I don't know, I'd give the Irish even money vs. the rest of Europe. They are powered by the concentrated awesome of Guiness!

I've always been amused by all the ranting and raving about terrorism and supporters of terrorism because of this. Where did the irish get a good chunk of the cash to launch their terror campaign? Irish-Ex Pats in the US of A.
Oh, and don't let our reputation as a nation of fighters confuse you. We'd get pasted in a war, just like we have been in every war since anyone can remember. Bar fights, yes. Organised military, apparently not so much.
(And really, in the case of Northern Ireland, you'd be talking about the British Military, who are far and away more impressive than the Irish Armed Forces.)

whatwhat wrote:

Da Boss wrote:

jp400 wrote:Maybe you all should ban the rest of your guns from general ownership! That would for sure curb the violence and disarm those responsable for these acts, yes? Or maybe charge more for ammunition or firearms and make it impossible for people to afford shooting. Tougher restrictions and laws perhaps?

What are you talking about?

I think he thinks British gun legislation has something to do with the trouble in irleand.

@ jp400, heres a thread about stereotypical americans you might like to read.. http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/232620.page

Sigh,
You sure dont do your kind enough credit.
Im just saying that if shootings are a problem, then you should ban all guns period. Failing that make it really expensive so you cant afford to shoot or own firearms.. plus lets throw in dozens of new firearm restrictions for surely this will curb the shooting trends.

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/232620.page

Seriously take a look.

jp400 wrote:

whatwhat wrote:

Da Boss wrote:

jp400 wrote:Maybe you all should ban the rest of your guns from general ownership! That would for sure curb the violence and disarm those responsable for these acts, yes? Or maybe charge more for ammunition or firearms and make it impossible for people to afford shooting. Tougher restrictions and laws perhaps?

What are you talking about?

I think he thinks British gun legislation has something to do with the trouble in irleand.

@ jp400, heres a thread about stereotypical americans you might like to read.. http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/232620.page

Sigh,
You sure dont do your kind enough credit.
Im just saying that if shootings are a problem, then you should ban all guns period. Failing that make it really expensive so you cant afford to shoot or own firearms.. plus lets throw in dozens of new firearm restrictions for surely this will curb the shooting trends.

Umm, right? Thanks for that.

Da Boss wrote:Whatwhat is right. The Real IRA are pretty much despised.

But that will stop them?

sA

Are you on a different point now?

You know what would stop terrorism in Northern Ireland?

Having the border between Northern Ireland and the rest of Ireland guarded by people who are more willing to use pepper spray.

How about someone to guard this thread from americans who seem to have no idea what the thread is about?

Alternatively, you could cover yourself in bacon.

Then the Muslamics can't hurt you.

Orkeosaurus wrote:You know what would stop terrorism in Northern Ireland?

Having the border between Northern Ireland and the rest of Ireland guarded by people who are more willing to use pepper spray.

Points for being completely and totally wrong in sentiment and content.

How many points?

Orkeosaurus wrote:Alternatively, you could cover yourself in bacon.

Then the Muslamics can't hurt you.

Oh wow, I'm actually Jewish, and your coming close to the line right there.

Anyway back on topic. Looks like a few people have been arrested.

Really? I haven't had a chance to check the news.

And no, I haven't changed to a different point. I was saying, just because they are despised and outlawed by the rest of Northern Ireland, is that going to make them any less dangerous? I know they were for some of the part sheltered by certain communities in the old days, but now, as you say, they don't have popular support.

sA