There has been a sea-change in European politics with continued membership of the European Union in doubt in many member states. Scotland has split from the United Kingdom and England is no longer a member of the European Union.
Following the financial crisis in Greece, Germany has taken steps to ensure her loans are repaid. In an effort to ensure that Ireland keeps up her payments, a German politician sits on the government of Ireland in an advisory role but, in fact, he holds significant power.
It is in this situation that a schizophrenic megalomaniac makes his deadly move to reunite Ireland by force. He has planned his move for years and he has hundreds of bombs planted around England, Ireland and elsewhere. Bombs he can set off with a call from his mobile phone. He recreates the Irish Confederation of 1642-1651 with a group of hand picked people with republican sympathies.
Next, he must begin negotiations with the British Prime Minister, but to negotiate his way necessitates that he holds an attention grabbing bargaining chip.