Armed Republicans in Ireland

Impro Guns has a somewhat disturbing photo. Dissident Republicans Pictured Armed with 3D Printed Guns

Republicans (not the US political party) are arming themselves. I can't find much info, most media outlets in the UK are behind paywalls. They seem to be mostly targeting drug dealers, and people who have left their organization. It does seem to be a return of a paramilitary organization.

Members of a recently formed Óglaigh na hÉireann splinter group pictured armed with what appears to be an FGC-9 variant as well two PG-22 Maverick .22lr revolvers.

The image above is of an unrelated FGC-9 MK-II. Click thru for the photo from Ireland.

For information on Óglaigh na hÉireann see this link from January.

Northern Ireland Is Again in Flames

It doesn't seem to be as bad as it was before the Good Friday Agreement, but it seems to be headed in that direction. Rioters In Northern Ireland Ignore Latest Pleas For Calm

It isn't just Portland that is burning.

The worst unrest of recent years in the UK-ruled province has mainly stemmed from its unionist community, angry over apparent economic dislocation due to Brexit and existing tensions with pro-Irish nationalist communities.

After Brexit, the UK instituted border controls at sea ports, which do a lot of trading with the rest of the UK, but not at the land border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland or Tuaisceart Éireann, which is officially a devolved constituent part of the United Kingdom.

A special "protocol" was agreed that shifted controls away from the Irish land border to ports trading with the UK mainland. It took effect on January 1, prompting many unionists to accuse London of betrayal by diluting Northern Ireland's status in the UK.

There was also recent outrage among unionists after the authorities decided not to prosecute nationalist Sinn Fein leaders for attending a large funeral last year of a former paramilitary leader, in apparent breach of Covid restrictions.

Here's a link to a song about the 1993 Warrington bombings, "Zombie" by The Bad Wolves; it was originally by The Cranberries.