MY wife and I have just returned from a trip to Belfast and if anyone tries telling you the Troubles are over I fear they are looking thorough shamrock-tinted glasses.

Yes, we met some lovely folk, visited the Titanic Experience, did the open-top bus tour, and visited Crumlin Road gaol.

We also visited the Falls Road area, viewing the amazing murals from all sides of the conflict.

But veer off the beaten track and could find yourself in a very uncomfortable situation if your face doesn’t fit.

When you see eight armoured police vehicles in a line in the city centre monitoring the St Patrick’s Day march you feel a little uncomfortable.

J Richardson, Shildon