Prudie - // How can this still be considered the right way to solve problems in this day and age? //
The simple fact is, IRA terrorists are not looking for a way to solve problems, they like killing people under the mantle of patriotism, it has nothing to do with their demands which were not feasible then, and are not feasible now.
It's like all terrorism - conforming to a notional 'cause' means you can look at yourself in a mirror and say,
'I am a patriot / religious zealot / protector of my country ... insert your own 'cause' label here'
Instead of the reality, which is looking in a mirror and saying to your reflection - "I am an unhinged psychopath with no respect for the views and lives of anyone else who doesn't think like I do."
We all get through the day the best we can, and we all spend some time looking in that mirror, telling ourselves that we are OK - whether we actually are, or not.