Love-hate relationship with our fellow CeltsArticle by Tom Peterkin
Published in The Scotsman, 18 May 2011
Scotland's relationship with Ireland is one that is close, but complex. Historically, the two countries were united by an antipathy towards to the English that saw them both fight against their dominant neighbours.
But the notion of an ancient Celtic brotherhood is complicated by the tribal factions that create violent division in both countries to this day. Nevertheless, it was this idea of common roots that can help explain the paradox that Scotland suffers from the same sectarian problems that have plagued Ireland, yet was spared the horrors of the IRA's mainland bombing campaign.
Attacks on the Celtic fringe were forbidden by the Provos, because the IRA wanted to portray their fight as a war against the English rather than an attack on their fellow Celts.
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http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Loveh ... 6770096.jp
