Thanks for all your comments.
Thanks for the constructive criticism too Duthy. You say that it is impossible to tell the story of the (recent) Troubles in Northern Ireland without also examining the history of Ireland prior to that period. But I propose that it is, given that a basic understanding of history is already established in the reader's mind. Otherwise where in history should I have started? The Mesolithic period? The Celtic settlements? The Gaelic invasions? The Norman invasions?
The article isn't finished - I just posted what I have written so far. And by no means is it a complete history even of that period - many events have and will be left out. But it is simply beyond the scope to produce a history of the periods that you mention, such as the Potato Famine. The history of the British Isles, especially Irish history is, as I'm sure you're aware, very complex and not entirely black and white.
You say, "If your background notes were acceptable to both the Catholic and Prodentant points of view (Impossible task), then I could read your post; and accept what you are trying to do." But I have had no responces from anyone who is not from a Roman Catholic background as yet. Another point is that I myself am not a Protestant nor a Roman Catholic. As for what I'm trying to do - I am writing a description of the events and feelings of people at the time. You say that you do not agree with my conclusions.. and yet I don't feel I have made any. I'd certainly be interested in any points you have to make on any specific part of my commentary though :)
"It is only when I keep reminding myself of the actual situation as seen throught the eyes of Tom Maguire and Joseph O' Connor;"
My personal opinion is that the politics of yesteryear are not really as applicable to current events as they were at that time.
"that I realize that it is very important to back the IRA stance on the Good Friday Agreement.
To me there is no other way except for the Good Friday Agreement."
I prefer to think of it as backing the people of Ireland - and specifically those of Northern Ireland. I do not back terrorists or terrorism of any kind.