A lot of good points here. Certainly the IRA should face the Court of Human Rights for its actions (though I think only governments *can* be brought to that court.

But my initial thought was to wonder wether it's legitimate to use torture at any time.

Is it all right to torture someone you know is planning to kill?

Is it all right to torture someone who *might* be planning to kill?

Is it all right to torture someone who supports those who kill?

What is the effect of torture on the tortured?

What is its effect on the torturer?

What is its effect on the society of the tortured? And of the torturer?