Sorcha, I don't believe the protestant/ catholic is a reason for division. Many countries have members of both living side by side without trouble. I would suspect it was originally just an identifyable difference between those on both sides of the political fence in Ireland and therefore something else to fight over.

As for not understanding the troubles in Northern Ireland, I am not sure who fully understands it regardless of where they live. I live a lot closer to Ireland than you and the British Government is involved in it and I, like many over here really haven't much of a clue. Most people I know just want to see peace over there but have no idea how, when or even if it will finally be achieved.

Jon