It's the usual mudcat thing. Getting hot and bothered about the "inner meaning" et al. Sure, it was written during the recent "troubles" and was meant a a serious comment on one aspect of british repression, i.e. transportation to Van Diemans Land for minor offences, back in the 1800's. Presumably, the author, Pete St. John recorded it but the it became a "hit" when recorded by Paddy Reilly. For the information of Mudcatters worldwide most Irish people have outgrown the resentment of the brits and the song has become a rabble rouser rather than a rebel rouser.