I think it's symbolically *labelled* by religion, but actually about the Tribes that the denominations, well, demoninate. The tribes are distinguished by different culture, custom, history, worldview, yes language (dialect as *least*), & even race (as perceived; ethnic subcategories writ large), overall economic status---and religious doctrine & practice, surely. I'm just skeptical that the core of the conflict is zealous theological adherence to Rome vs. the Reformation, any more. (Assuming it ever was.) Tribal conflict: two peoples (though closely related ethnically), one land, bitter poisoned history. Israelis & Palestinians. (Coincidentally, also Jews & Muslims.) Too much a stretch??

It occurs to me that there may be this irony to Trimble's criticism of the Republic: what what I've seen of Sinn Fein's published views on governmental policies & practices in Eire, *Gerry Adams could well agree with at least some of Trimble's characterizations"*. Perhaps not publicly just now, but...Any thoughts on that?