http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010 ... mb-threats

It would certainly get them the publicity they need, and maybe slightly put pressure on Cameron now that he's linked to the Ulster Unionists...

The dissidents are a incredibly small minority. The vast majority of the catholic community do not want a return to violence. I would suspect that the dissidents want the cover of terrorism to enable them to return to their criminal activities.

That's always partially true, but a lot of these people are serious; you've been a lifelong Republican, probably did time inside, and Gerry basically accepts a change in police uniform and signs up to the status quo (NI remaining part of the UK on the majority's wish)? You'd be very p1ssed off...

Oh, and to top it all, former comrades that have done very nicely out of it all, now saying you aren't a real Republican

There maybe an element of you have gone soft, and we are still hard. Never ignore bravado.

The problem for Sinn Fein is that they are not taken seriously south of the border either as a political party with only 4 seats. Though that has grown as a result of the peace process. A return to violence actually harms them considerably.

In all seriousness, their problem down South is that they can't pretend to be oppressed, or to start agitating for that outcome. They'd also never get away with the massive voting fraud in the North that they used as a platform for actual votes all those years ago.

Obviously with your proximity you have an better knowledge of understanding of the situation in the north. You are right as to their status in the South.