I tend to suspect the point that Stan was trying to make should not hang or fall on an acronym, as it appears clear that he was voicing disapproval about both sides of "the troubles," no matter what their current monicker was.

Another song which is in much the same vein, Tommy Sands' "There were Roses," deals less with the political realm and more with the effects on the victims and relatives. I've played that song several times in Ireland with no problem north or south.

At home, we play at a local jam which has three Irish flags hanging in the center of the room, the Republic tricolor on one side, the Northern Irish flag on the other, and dividing them is the Irish Brigade Battle Flag from Antietim, (which was fought just across the river, and whose Confederate dead are buried in the town cemetary). It's our way of saying that it doesn't matter if it's Kelley or Kelly, More or Moore, you're welcome to sing anything you want as long as you're in tune, and up with the beat, (but hold your cussing, curb your children, and don't step on the cat...)