Thanks for the kind words McG of H, I do agree with what you say,but I beleive we would never get to the state of civil breakdown.

The police and army would not take any sides, to go against their orders leaves them open to mutiny charges. They would have to face the wrath of those in-charge in England, also they would not have the ability to take on other regiments that would be sent in to restore order.

In dire straits the Irish army would be deployed to protect the interest of nat/rep, or the loyalists/unionists so there would be no real need for any paramilitaries at all.

We need to restore faith in the security forces, easier said than done, over the years they have earned the mistrust of both sides. That is why I advocate a mixed police force and in that respect we need each other not the paramilitaries who come at too high a price.