ABSTRACT
Irish revolutionaries, like American gangsters, have a romantic image—they are larger-than-life fighters. Violence, death, and executions no doubt have some fascination of their own, but when an Irish brogue is added to this already compelling mixture, the brew is particularly potent. Since late 1968, when the phase of the age-old Irish question was reopened, the annual number of deaths caused by political disturbances in Ulster has averaged about 200 a year. Violence in Northern Ireland is part and parcel of the Irish question that has so bedeviled the peace of mind of the British Isles for generations. History or, more accurately, "myth" about Parnell is highly germane to the troubles. In his time, the "uncrowned king" of Ireland exercised an apparently complete dominance over Irish nationalism. Terrorism in Northern Ireland, therefore, has much to do with Irish history and is little inspired by movements elsewhere. In theory, if terrorism is to have its maximum impact it must be unpredictable.
