Oh when I was young and stupid, the fight seemed romantic enough after centuries of oppression that the end justified the means. Esprecially in the face of daily oppression by the less disciplined elemnts of the RUC and with the tradition of such as the Black and Tans to draw upon. Then I learnt more and now condemn all perpetrators of brutality, regardless of side. As far as I'm concerned, anyone who slays a child or innocent, or resorts to the bullet before the ballot is to be despised even if they share my overall beliefs other than that.
I've spent time in Northern Ireland during the troubles and the land deserves to be free. But not in a situation where either of the extreme factions win. Only where the people win - and (touch wood) - that is what we appear to be approaching today.
The land is free. This is the great myth perpetuated. The people of Northern Ireland can vote for what they want, but the majority of Protestants, and a large Minority of Catholics want to stay part of the UK.
And get this, the Irish Republic does NOT want a united Ireland. They do not want an Ireland that has a massive minority of Protestants. It would change their whole society and drag Ireland down economically.
Where do you draw the view that Northern Ireland is not free?
IIRC it was the IRA et al who have consitently refused to recognize that the majority of the inhabitants of Northern Ireland prefer to be affiliated with the UK vice Ireland.
Its also not clear that as a practical matter Ireland would want it. It would be a significant drag on the Celtic Tiger with no gain.
I too have been there, walked the land and seen it with my own eyes.