Seems to me the really interesting question is why did Banjo Johnny assume that someone whom he suspected (or accused) of being anti Brit was "possibly Irish". It is certainly true that the Irish have ample reason to look without favor on things british, but they most certainly are not the only people in the world in such a position. Moreover, most Irish, wherever they are and however long removed from Ireland, are perfectly capable of distinguishing between the british government and the british people. And before anyone gets too carried away casting aspersions at the british government, they should all take the time to look at their own government(s) with the same critical eye. I doubt that any of them are beyond reproach.