Thanks guys - much appreciated. I can well understand the trepidation after all these years of living in hope. My big worry is that people in the region will see any move as doomed to failure before it starts and that will become a self-fulfilling prophesy:-( 3 out of 3 responses here have allayed those fears. I am getting the impression of 'hope for the best but fear the worse' - A healthy attitude in most situations! Is that the general mood in the area?

I have had no feedback about the possibility of the region becoming self governing - Not beholden to either England or Ireland, even if in the short term. Is that someting that you can see happening or am I away with fairies? Can we also put a timescale on when people feel that the peace does have a longer lasting chance? When, for instance, should we expect the predicted riots and bloodshed? Whan can we assume that the worst is over and it will not happen? Basically - how long do I have to hold my breath and cross my fingers for?

Cheers

Dave