Got a friend who's been to Ireland several times, and loved it;

here's one of the reasons I'd never want to live there: GFW PSH Irish-stlye
The Government has outlined its proposals for a ban on licensing handguns, which may be expanded to include all firearms in the future.

Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said the legislation, which will be published shortly as part of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous) Provisions Bill, had been drawn up in response to increasing concern over the proliferation of firearms.
Note that wording, 'proliferation of firearms', it's important.
“My concern is that unless strong and decisive action is taken the number of handguns could grow exponentially and our firearms regime would equate to that of countries such as the United States,” Mr Ahern said.

“While I know the vast majority of licensed gun owners behave responsibly, my paramount concern must be the protection of the public, particularly against the background of the level of gun crime which is taking place,” Mr Ahern added.
Translation: "The people who've jumped through hoops to get a license don't commit crimes, but We the Government(who also need to suck up to the EUnuchs since the peasants voted 'NO') don't want them to have one. So we'll use this as an excuse."

Standard-issue nanny-state GFW bullcrap.