Hi

The RUC are indeed the Royal Ulster Constabulary, but as for the rest of that last comment........ well just don't get me started........

They are the official police force in Northern Ireland, same as the "Met" would be in London, or NYPD would be in New York.

They are not affiliated with either "side" (there are both protestants and catholics in the RUC.) and are doing a difficult job in what are often very difficult situations. They are there to keep law and order and that often does put them in opposition to the IRA, and the protestant paramilitaries too.

Personally I wouldn't want their job, with all the extra pressure of being a "ligitimate" target for the IRA. Constantly looking over you shoulder and checking under your car for bombs. I for one was glad they were there when I lived in Belfast.

That's the end of my rant

Slainte

Alison