Why can't the Irish Guards return home to Northern Ireland?

Question

With impending devolution, and all parties allegedly agreeing to work together so Northern Ireland can rule on its own local issues like Wales and Scotland, why is it that the proud, unquestioning, obedient fighting force of the Irish Guards - (recruited from BOTH Northern and Southern Ireland - who fought TOGETHER as one in many historical battles, including recent conflicts,) why can't they be retained in Northern Ireland in many of the military establishments due for closure in the Province?

We are seeing a gradual dismantlement of the Irish Guards - already down to 1 Btn - and the thought of the total disbandment of such a Battallion, (when there is still SO much good they can do in Northern Ireland - Homeland Security, Ceremonial duties plus provide an excellent role model for community integration ) would be an absolute disgrace to the lives given without question by former Irish Guards throughout thier long, impressive history.

They are the Provinces' asset. Protect assets

Answer 1

The Micks do have quite a history -- nothing short of heroic from the Boer war through Iraq.
It would be a great idea to have them serve in NI as opposed to standing around at Windsor.

Answer 2

Formation of the Irish Guards
The Irish Guards were formed on 1st April 1900 by order of HM Queen Victoria to commemorate the bravery of the Irish people who fought in the Boer war. On 21st April 1900, the first recruit, James O’Brien of Limerick, was enlisted and many followed as a free transfer was offered to all Irishmen serving not only in the Guards Brigade but also from the Line Regiments.
The Irish Guards played a major part in both World Wars, winning a total of six Victoria Crosses including the last to be presented in the Second World War and have seen armed conflict in many parts of the world since 1945.

1982 In February the Battalion moved to Oxford Barracks, Münster, Germany to join 4th Armoured Brigade.

Sadly, in 1984, during our time in BAOR, the Colonel of the Regiment, General Sir Basil Eugster died. In his place, Her Majesty The Queen appointed His Royal Highness, The Grand Duke of Luxembourg KG, who served with the Regiment during the Second world war.
1988 /1989 The Battalion received New Colours from The Queen in May 1988 and trooped them on the Queen's Birthday the following month.
2000 /2002
After returning from Kosovo the Battalion resumed a normal routine of rest and training back in Münster. There were exercises in Poland and No 1 Company went to Canada to play enemy for a major exercise. As 2002 progressed rumours of deployment to the Gulf grew, and eventually the Micks were called in to bring 7 Armoured Brigade up to strength.

2003 Instead of the intended handover to the Scots Guards at the start of the year the Battalion found itself being sent to Kuwait in February and March. This was the start of an extremely busy and important 18 months for the Irish Guards. For an account of the invasion of Iraq, written whilst the author was still in Basra . On return, the Warriors and Oxford Barracks were handed over to the Scots Guards, the Battalion moved back to London and almost immediately was redeployed to South Armagh.

Yes would be a good day indeed to see the Irish Guards Based where should be.... Sadly others may not hold my view.... 6 Victoria Crosses yes Hold high The Victoria Cross - Lance Corporal M O’Leary - 1st February 1915/ The Victoria Cross - Sergeant J Moyney - 13th September 1917 / The Victoria Cross - Lance Corporal Thomas Woodcock - 13th September 1917 / The Victoria Cross - Lieutenant Colonel JN Marshall MC - 4th November 1918 / The Victoria Cross - Lance Corporal J. Kenneally - 28th April 1943/ Victoria Cross - Guardsman E Charlton - 21st April 1945 ...... Victoria Cross's that should be with the Irish at its own Base in N.I

Answer 3

The Guards regiments were formed to protect to Soveriegn and there are no residential palaces in Ireland. The Guards regiments are all based in the London area, the Scots, Coldstream and Welsh Guards included. Their geographical names notionally relate to their recruitment areas rather than the location where they are based.

Apart from the I hope obvious issues to do with Ireland, the current Westminster Government has not looked favourably on forces related to the ceremonial and the monarchy - witness HMS Britannia. Perhaps one reason is that in a desperately overworked army there is a preference for regiments with less ceremonial "baggage".