Errrrrrrr, they have never gone away, the violence has become the norm and the Police can do nothing about it.

I guess that it didn't occur to the authorities that they volunteered up their old, out of date, worn out weapons.

That, of course, opened up space for their new hi tech stuff.

They obviously also don't watch Street Wars on television. Even so, they woud still be totally aware of what is going on.

Yes, it's an absolute disgrace that Kennedy is being considered for a knighthood given his IRA supporting activities in the past.

What should be borne in mind is that the group carrying out this atrocity is nothing to do with the IRA that disarmed and decommissioned weapons in the 90s.  It is a dissident group, with far fewer members, far far less public support and very little actual firepower.  I don't think we'll return to the dark days of IRA atrocities in London, Birmingham etc.

I can see now the 'Peace Deal' that was thrashed out.

OK guys, we will cover up all what's going on, you hand over some scrap weapons for us to publicly destroy then we'll all get fame and glory and be seen to be heros.

That way, nobody loses face and we all come out smelling of roses.

Cynical? Nah, realistic.