Big Tim, good verse!! and, good points. / Likewise, Ireland, very informative and though-provoking narrative. Really. Thanks.

But a question - is the *RUC's* historical role as a Protestant police force and defender of the Orange status quo, really "...due to the short sightedness of the RC church,and nat/rep political leaders who advised people not to join the police force"? Wasn't there a lot more to it than just a papist/republican boycott?? (Or, are you speaking only of NI police since the recent "reforms" began?) I'm ill-informed on these policing issues and would welcome education.

NicoleC - actually I've read that Clinton was, while perhaps not "expert", still personally very knowledgeable of NI matters. / Of course the GFA itself *was* the eventual product of outside mediation, wasn't it? It was Clinton's man George Mitchell who mediated, facilitated, chaired, or whatever, the long & excruciating process that paved the way to the Agreement. A good man. Maybe Dubya should call him up now. HA! Yeah I'm just sure.