Keith, It is entirely hopeless to get through to you, if I went out on the street to-day and related what you have written above I would be laughed at.
You are wrong there was more support among the nationalist people for the IRA than the SDLP, the followers of Sinn Fein abstained in large numbers throughout the struggle.
There was no way that Sinn Fein could organise, not with incessant pressure from the Brits, the candidates and their supporters that did attempt to stand were harassed at every juncture.

The difference was very much apparent when the ceasefire was arrived at, for the simple reason likely candidates were now able to conduct their canvassing without the Brits confronting them at every turn in the road.

Take note of the many Sinn Fein candidates that stood throughout the six counties and also take note of the many Sinn Fein successes, people who never voted for years came out to vote foe their Sinn Fein nominees.