"but it never ocurred to me that someone from within the culture would use the the term Gypsy or Rom to describe an Irish traveller" - i never did.

To be honest, traditionally no-one would. The travellers are seen as trouble. Both the Irish and the Rom would have had different "Atchin Tans" - stopping places. Due to different legislation, the Highways act 1964, the caravan act etc both were forced out of their nomadic life, into either council housing or into legal camps, toghether and forced to live side by side.

Most of the illegal camps you hear about in England are Irish travellers who then in the media are described as Gypsies. The gypsies do occassionally illegaly camp on their way to fairs: Stow, Appleby but it is only in passing. Not fair in a society where every other race/ethinicity has better human rights then them!!

The public here in England can't tell the difference between a Traveller, a gypsy, a mumper (The phrase is hedge mumper - a tramp or vagrant) or a new age hippie. They are all tared with the same brush regardless of their true ethnicity.

I hope that helps with a bit of history and background. Education on the subject help to break down some of the prejudices viewed/aired by non nomadic people.

Right i have had me say.
Pete.