The 'tans' were not all volunteers, Jimmy. Some, such as my grandad, were recruited specificaly from Salford and Liverpool because of the stong Irish catholic communities there. The reasoning (If you can call it that from british high command!) was that the IRA would not shoot there own.

The fact that my grandad was neither Irish or Catholic seems to prove the fact the they got things wrong sometimes;-)

Anyhow, Ray, I agree with Joe - keep posting the songs. As I said if they do offend anyone whoever it is can stop reading them.

My main point was that it seems a little peculiar to me that it is OK to use the term "British scum" (See above) but not Jewish/Black/Polish/Irish etc etc scum.

BTW - I have no issue with Irish rebel songs about the 'old' struggles and agree wholeheartedly that as a nation the Irish have suffered under Britsh rule. The old songs are about people long dead and beyond caring. I have been known to render a passible version of "Roddy McCorly" myself. It is only songs refering to people, still alive or having living releatives, in a heteful or derogatory manner that may offend someone not as thick skinned as me!

Cheers and, once again, peace and good wishes to all.

Dave the Gnome