Reply #13: You answered your own question

[Lithos]

The OP's question was whether the IRA had roots outside of terrorism before it became a terroristic group.

The answer is yes, in this case a political one - Sinn Fein came first. And while there was an IRA group prior to the 1970's, it was mostly defunct and effectively arose anew following the late 1960 demonstrations.

Sinn Fein has effectively been called Ireland's National Socialistic party. That is another point where they do bear some more similarity to Hamas.

As for the other groups, I'm afraid the real history of the IRA and associated groups is not as well understood in the US as England.

The links you provided are quite good, I suggest people read them. I found the PBS one myself earlier while researching things to make sure I didn't get a fact grossly wrong.

L-