I'm fundamentally against violence, and I understand that aggressive colonialism is the root of the tension between loyalists and republicans in Ireland.

But, when I see people defending the IRA it makes me disgusted. If people want to be proud of standing up against British rule, then please be my guest. But to try to justify the terrorism and thuggery that was carried out against innocent civilians and unfortunately deployed young lads is repulsive.

The IRA imo was nothing more than an outlet for violent thugs.

This sentiment goes out to the other side as well obviously, but I don't really see people trying to justify the aggression of Britain in the same way I see people try to justify the actions of the IRA.