Army stands down

Belfast, U.K.

The British army ended its longest-ever continuous campaign this week when it pulled troops out of Northern Ireland. The army has been a huge presence in the British province since 1969, when thousands of troops were sent to quell riots between Catholic separatists and Protestant unionists. “We don’t need them anymore,” said Sir Hugh Orde, Northern Ireland’s chief of police. “For many months now we have not relied at all on our military colleagues for support to deliver normal policing.” Most of the Irish are thrilled. “It was difficult for us to live with years of harassment from the British army and the constant searches,” said Naoise Short of South Armagh. “I am glad they have gone.”