UVF to put weapons beyond reach "The UVF is the last of Northern Ireland main paramilitary organisations to abandon violence, with the IRA announcing it was ending its campaign in 2003..." Internal integration During the heights of the "troubles" Northern Ireland was a highly desintegrated territory which required the permanent stationing of British army troops. One of the major causes behind the conflict in Northern Ireland, the economic discrimination of catholic people, is no longer of the same relevance today. Moreover, the economic situation in Ireland itself has improved significantly. Finally, the gradual demographic transition, i. e. the slow disappearance of a large bulge of young, angry men may play a role, too.