There are many uninformed people when it comes to the politics of this place.

It’s not hard to be, given its complicated history, disparate groups, broad churches and multiple actual churches all involved in our politics.

I meet these people day in and day out, living in Dublin.

It doesn’t bother me – many are curious and want to learn, especially younger people.

Patricia Mac Bride: Garvaghy Road residents have won the battle for hearts and minds

Concerned Protestant voices should be heard over Drumcree - The Irish News view

What is most predictable is the confident uninformed, who are often paid money to appear on TV, radio and in newspapers to give their opinion on a place they have never been or truly give little or no thought to.

The nonsense published in some newspapers and given airtime in the Republic over the last few weeks has been extraordinary.

More than one Dublin TV panel discussing the Garvaghy Road stand-off had no one from the north present for the discussion. (One Nolan panel didn’t have one woman present, but five men, as if the Garvaghy Road only affects the male species).

The columnists and commentators have been worse, one broadsheet noting people have been shocked by the “sectarianism”.

Such a dim and simplistic view of the issue that you can be almost certain this........

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