I haven't had time to read every post on this thread, so if someone else has said this already, please forgive me.

Some points that spring to mind on this topic, tho' I am not an authority on Irish history.

1.       "A famine suggests insufficient amounts of food to feed a population.
As Ireland was exporting large amounts of grain, beef, and other food stuff to England during the great hunger then the situation could not be classed as a famine"

I was under the impression that absentee English landlords were responsible for the exporting of foodstuffs to England, and that they insisted that their requirements be met in spite of being told that this would leave insufficient food for the survival of the Irish tenants, This, from the POV of said tenants, would undoubtedly qualify as a famine.

2.       The situation in Northern Ireland can certanly not be compared with Iraq, for a number of reasons.

Firstly, the way in which British troops became involved in the latest troubles was not by invasion, but at the insistence of the predominantly protestant loyalist majority, who did then, and still do, wish to remain part of the UK.

The mainly catholic minority simply wanted fair treatment, a measure of respect, and a say in the running of the country commensurate with their contribution to the economy of the six counties.

An even smaller republican minority wanted nothing less than the transfer of government to Dublin, and a united Ireland, though this faction had remained peaceful through most of the twentieth century.

Given the proportions involved, the United Ireland scenario was to say the least unlikely, and had the loyalists been willing to compromise, there might never have been any fighting, but with the breakdown of law and order and the collapse of the Stormont government, Westminster had no choice but to step in to what was a part of the UK, to ensure the safety of all its citizens.

On the subject of the establishment of a united Ireland, I think there is considerable doubt as to whether Dublin is all that keen on taking over Westminster's role, but as the proportion of catholic republicans is steadily increasing, there will in the not too distant future be a change of population balance which could bring this about.

I really don't think, if the majority want a United Ireland, Westminster will be too upset.

I realise that there will be many who will scream about my bias to one side or the other. None such exists. I was born in England, to Irish parents, and can trace my ancestors back to the three kingdoms. I owe my education, and livelihood to England.

My only bias is against the stupidity that constantly picks at old wounds till they bleed anew, when, with concern and respect for others points of view a better way is not just possible, but certain.

Don T.