A significant impetus for the ending of NI terrorism came with the change in attitude of the US. I visited New York several times when collecting for 'Noraid' was seen as a jolly thing to do, and the terrorist acts in NI/UK as remote and part of some worthy cause backed up by jolly sing-songs (albeit either with murderous lyrics or bemoaning some British atrocity from years before).

After Oklahoma and the first attacks on the World Trade Centre attitudes changed considerably as the reality of what people were actually supporting - i.e. real people being blown to pieces and maimed - started to hit home. 911 killed such fundraising stone dead and forced US politicians to stop being mealy-mouthed about terorism in all its guises.

In any event, regardless of how odious an individual McGuinness or Adams may be, their role in enabling peace to hapen in NI has been huge. I'd far rather everyone buried the past - with as much gritting of teeth as is required - than have the previous 'situation' continue forever.

I agree. after 9/11 overt terrorism was an absolute no for the IRA (irrespective of the funding). That's what made the difference (even though the Good Friday agreement was signed). They are the same people with the same views it's just that they had to change from their preferred methods due to circumstances. Not people to ever be trusted.

Indeed, without the head-murderer agreeing that his organisation wouldn't murder any more, the murdering wouldn't stop.


Sorry, can't agree that McGuinness and Mandela were even similar.
Mandela was convicted of sabotage, he didn't randomly kill ordinary people and his struggle was against the apartheid regime to which the SA goverment were committed to continuing, whereas in NI, the deeply unjust electoral system was on its way out and Wilson was very sympathetic to achieving peace and equality.
These two situations were in no way comparable.

I bet Philip was told to be on his best behaviour.

What would have been some of the things he might have said?

'Nice to meet you Gerry.'

"You're Irish? We've got a hell of a driveway outside our house that could use some work"

'You should have really nailed that fooking bitch at Brighton Marty old boy. She thought she was the Queen of England.'

'Is it true what they say old fella. That Guinness makes you poop lovely?'

He scooted away pretty sharpish when McG tried to speak to him.
I do hope he's not still annoyed about a petty thing like his uncle being blown to bits.

I am not in favour of the monarchy and I can't ever remember feeling sympathetic to Philip before, but I did when I saw that.
Don't know how else he could have handled it.