InOBU,

What clause 2 of the Constitution of The Republic of Ireland states does not make The Republic of Ireland a 32 county entity - It declares an aspiration towards a united Ireland. The existance of that clause has become an embarassment to the Irish Government and is illegal under the terms of the Treaty of Rome and the Charter of the United Nations (neither of which were in existance when the Republic of Ireland was created in 1921/2). If you doubt or disagree with this and believe that the republic of Ireland has a just claim to Ulster, you must then acknowledge that Iraq's (Saddam Hussein's) claim to Kuwait is equally justified.

You recommend that I read a book entitled "too long a sacrifice". I could recommend quite a number of books on the same suject that might give you broader based, and more objective, perspective on the subject.

Out of interest I intend examining the specific case you mention. If what you state is correct it was no act of terrorism - it was murder. In general, unlike the US forces in Vietnam, British troops in Northern Ireland operate under civil control, their remit is that of aid to the civil power. In my time there, all patrols were accompanied by members of the RUC and they were in charge. For each member of a foot patrol every round had to be accounted for and there were strict rules of engagement. For any soldier who discharged his weapon, whilst on duty, there existed, and probably still exists, an equally strict investigation procedure. Time of incident called in and logged, on return to barracks RUC CID would interview the RUC members accompanying the patrol, members of the patrol and the soldier who fired. A report would then be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions / Crown Prosecution Service. CID would also attempt to interview civilian witnesses, I say attempt because in certain areas (Republican and Loyalist) there existed a high degree of witness intimidation and a culture of "heard nothing", "saw nothing", "say nothing". To ignore this, individuals risked being attached to the floors of their houses with nails through their kneecaps. Now you may ask why witnesses would not come forward in such an instance? What purpose would be best served? The answer is equally obvious given that all criminal prosecutions are based on a case being proved beyond reasonable doubt. The soldier involved would, in all probability, be acquitted and the propaganda value of the incident would be enhanced one hundred-fold.

To Jack the Sailor 03:25 offering Very, very funny - enjoyed reading it. Just the thing to ease tensions under the current circumstances.