It's probably no coincidence that Bush is against the Irish nationalists, when the "Loyalists" in NI are a bunch of fundamentalist nutcases similar to his own entourage (Pailsey has a 'degree' from Bob Jones - I nearly wrote Bob Hope). It's also true that although the Loyalist paramilitaries continue their attacks, they get little publicity.

Yes, the IRA and Sinn Fein have made a huge and unforgivable blunder- allowing underdisciplined members to throw their weight around, then defending them- but it's not fundamental to the progress of the peace process. Disarmament is- of ALL parties- including the Loyalists and their supporters in the British army and the secret services.