I agree with howard re the transition from terrorist to bona fide statesman.
History is full of these changes.
I find appalling that so many in N Ireland have been granted amnesty or special treatment but not troops sent there. I do think that all sides( there were several factions/sides) overstepped at some times.
I watched an old documentary on you tube a couple of weeks back on the N Ireland situation. Convicted killers/terrorists now free , politicians, military etc.. it was clear that attitudes had softened away from continuing the violence and a move to narrative. There is still, however, an undercurrent of tension and wariness.
I went out there for work visits in the 90's and it was not a particularly relaxing time despite company security measures re transport, accomodation, chaperoning. Seeing the armed RUC guys and army in and around Aldergrove and Belfast City airports was a sobering sight. Even the steep take off/landing glidepaths in case of potshots at planes.
I met many great people out there though. I would go back too as it is less tense now.
