West Coast, by 'direct', I mean that I have no information to substantiate any allegations of prisoner abuse in the H-blocks; the last time I was in Ireland was 1962! But I wouldn't rule out incorrect behaviour by isolated individuals and would certainly listen to any accurate reports of such.
Yes, the 'MacDonalds supports the IRA' rubbish is probably still believed by many. Although there certainly are certain establishments in the US which allegedly do support Irish republican groups. Once in Boston, we were advised that a certain bar was on such place - and that any collections made for the live band were more likely to end up going to terrorist organisations. So, as one does, we went there, had a few beers, scoffed the free Happy Hour food and then left before the band started!
Detention of travellers to the US? Certainly have talked to folk who've been messed around. One was an airline pilot who delivered a 747 and was then going to fly back on his own airline to the UK. So - one way ticket, pilot bag and no luggage. The security dimwits employed at the airport immediately raised the alarm as he fitted their 'profile'. Rude questioning and an intrusive search later, he was finally allowed to go.......
Several non-US companies who used to arrange winter seminars in Florida have now realised that their guests are unwilling to attend thanks to the heavy-handedness prevalent at airports. So now they use hotels in the Canary Islands instead.
Relatives in the travel industry tell me that people are now turning to places like Dubai insteard of Florida as, having been subjected to US entry procedures once, they're not prepared to tolerate them again.