The roots of Northern Ireland’s problems go back to 1167 and the Anglo-Norman intervention into Ireland’s laws and policing. The two unrelated cultures were never united and found themselves living side by side. The IRA evolved from rural protection groups which developed to fight back against ‘oppressive feudal regimes’. Through kinship, violence and relationships with officials, the group grew and adopted hierarchical structures with Mafia-like figureheads. The IRA fought for the unification of Ireland and an end to the British occupation of Northern Ireland. Today the IRA are not engaged in violence; however, splinter groups (Real IRA and Irish National Liberation Army) have formed, and at least one works with a Colombian cartel aiding drugs and arms smuggling. Punishment beatings still occur in local communities, as ‘inactive’ IRA members attempt to maintain control within their communities. The recent killing of Kevin McGuigan caused a political row when the police chief accused members of the IRA of having a role in the murder, and said the IRA still existed. See also http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-34204542