I think that's one of the many confusing aspects of the nature of the Irish struggle.

I recall at the height of the struggles in the 70's there was a decent interview in NME with some activist or other and they seemed to be Marxists.

I guess this wouldn't have played very well to their American fans

Coupled with this, the Catholic Church has always been very anti communist citing its rough treatment behing the Iron Curtain, which was very much in place at the time.

And although I have been pulled up before for this by Irish people, the importance of the the Catholic church in the community in Ireland is very striking to most people visiting Ireland. I don't believe we English are a secular nation, spiritual illiterates as most people seem to think. but the presence of the church seems qualitatively different in Ireland.

Eventual victory for SF would surely mean the whole country with Catholic as the state religion.

pleae regard these as musings. I have no wish to offend anybody, and I know that whilst trying to discuss this on previous occasions, I have upset people quite unwittingly.