"30 years in the RUC"

At the Globe I met a man while getting my sweater who had "30 years in the RUC". As a former member of the RUC [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Ulster_Constabulary] I asked him about his opinion about the conflict in its current state. I did not get very much information because he was more of a drunken old man than political scholar. I was also not being very direct, as I could not remember what RUC was exactly. Additionally I had already gotten his son upset by saying "People from all over the world came to the United States and decided to speak English the way I speak it". Though their Australian relative (who was much easier to understand) appreciated that comment.

This man, from the RUC, believed the troubles were really ending. To me it seems like there is little conflict here. However I am an outsider and have spent no time in the interface areas. I would also imagine that it would seem peaceful until something happened. To hear an old Irishman, who has had significant involvement in the conflict, say he believes it is over really makes me believe that we will not see violence while here.