Why is Northern Ireland the only place in the UK where handguns are NOT illegal?

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Considering that's the place where it would seem most logical to ban them (at least by the logic of gun control advocates), that seems rather bizarre.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Presumably because the legislation banning handguns didn't include Northern Ireland?

Other than that I wouldn't know. Handguns were banned elsewhere due to the public outcry at the Dunblane shootings, maybe there was no real outrage at them in NI?

I do know that a ban in NI would have been totally unenforceable.

[Bono]

The reason is for people to protect themselves from terrorist activity.

[Bono]

I do know that a ban in NI would have been totally unenforceable.

So, just like Britain then.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

I do know that a ban in NI would have been totally unenforceable.

So, just like Britain then.

It's actually been more enforceable than a lot of people thought it would. There is now a problem with converted replica's 'though.

[afleitch]

I do know that a ban in NI would have been totally unenforceable.

So, just like Britain then.

It's actually been more enforceable than a lot of people thought it would. There is now a problem with converted replica's 'though.

That's true. Getting hold of handguns is difficult, but replicas do tend to be a problem; they don't cost a great deal to buy or to convert. I think Al is right in suggesting Northern Ireland was left out of the legislation; possibly on purpose, due to the then upcoming talks on the political situation.

[minionofmidas]

Probably because there was a culture of peaceful handgun ownership in Northern Ireland, ie keeping them legal actually made sense.

[Јas]

As to why, I have no idea, but would suggest that this suggestion -

The reason is for people to protect themselves from terrorist activity.

- never entered consideration.

[Bono]

As to why, I have no idea, but would suggest that this suggestion -

The reason is for people to protect themselves from terrorist activity.

- never entered consideration.

No, that is the official reason, and in fact you have to state how you fear you may be a target or terrorist activities to get a permit for the handgun.

[Serenity Now]

The reason is for people to protect themselves from terrorist activity.

And allow terrorists the guns to help in their activities...