Read my posts again,MAINLAND Britian, The political and religious problems are perculier to that part of Ireland, and in no way impact or influence who carries firearms over here, especially in the areas where i have lived. In the same way people who live in the deep south of Ireland have no real interests on what has gone on in the north. A lot of rational, free thinking people dont give a pikeys toss about the daft bog trotters and their religious prejudices, and consequently really don't have any reason to carry firearms.
How many people on the streets of mainland Britain, out shopping, visiting relatives, in the pub, with their kids do you think walk about with guns? Ask the same question in Anytown America.
If you have ever been part of the problem in NI then you suffer from, and have to deal with the long term consequences of your involvement. Something that many many millions of rational British people do not.
Your world seems to be military and police, mine isn't, and hasn't been for 40 years.