Topping the List of Things the Irish Are Not Concerned About: Guns

The Irish do NOT have a gun problem.

On January 26th a detective was shot during a robbery by a gang member.

Their police do not carry guns.

The last time a police officer (garda) was shot was 17 years ago.

You cannot buy a gun in Ireland. Well, it is difficult and not part of the culture. "In the year to 31 July 2008, the number of firearm certificates on issue in Ireland was 233,120. Each certificate qualifies its holder to possess a single, specified firearm, along with a maximum quantity and described type of ammunition." Nearly all guns owned are hunting and less than 6% of the population owns a gun (45 percent of Americans own guns).

I am increasingly against guns.

As an economist, this is a relatively stupid position to take. It's like making anything illegal -- all that does is increase the price and change who gets it. But it'd just gone too far in the US and other countries (countries not engaged in a war on their soil) simply have less violence.