Kieth A said, "And I remember that everyone on the mainland sympathised with and supported the NI Civil Rights movement. A couple of years, months even, and public opinion would have forced the changes you are now anticipating.
But then came the bombs."

Wrong Keith then came Bloody Sunday. That changed everything. I know. I was there. There was little or no support for the IRA at that time but when British Paratroopers assassinated 14 innocent people at that now infamous Civil Rights rally things changed for ever. The IRA's numbers swelled.

As far British public oppinion of the nationalists cause in N. Ireland I think Guest May 5, 10:00 am is closer to the mark in terms of empathy, just another Paddy right Guest.