Raggy:

If it is merely your opinion that's fine. I disagree with your opinion but that is just my opinion. But please do not present your opinion as fact. It is not."

How about giving that advice to Carroll he seems to be in need of it more than I - when I give an opinion I clearly say so.

Note once again that you ignored my question - par for the course.

But here are some undeniable facts:

The threat to the country (Ireland) as a whole posed by the pro-Union supporters in the North was real enough for the pro-independence crowd in the South to form an armed militia.

The threat to the country as a whole posed by the pro-Union supporters in the North was real enough for the pro-independence delegation sent to London to negotiate peace in 19121 was sufficient for the North to be granted it's right to self-determination. The fledgling Government in 1921 could cope with de Valera and the IRA - which they did. They most certainly would not have been able to cope with the strength of opposition that would have been ranged against them had they had to take on the UVF and their supporters ( Support for the UVF was quantifiable - support for independence lacklustre at best, of course you could prove me wrong in that, but I know you won't).


The threat to the country as a whole posed by the pro-Union supporters in the North was considered real enough that on two occasions when offered full UK support for a united Ireland the Government of the Republic rejected it within seconds of the offer being made.