Does any one know how to eradicate a bougainvillea bush?

We are in the sub tropical area of SW Florida and a number of years ago a house plant was planted in the front yard and now it has become invasive. We have tried almost every thing including pruning, mowing, motor oil, and nothing will kill it. It has extreamly large thorns on it so handling it closely is not an option. We have not tried to dig it up yet (we know the root system is established as a truck tried to uproot it and the only results was the rope broke.) as we are afraid that any roots left will grow more of them. The sites that I have found on line are dedicated to SAVING IT! We want it gone. Does anyone have any suggestions that have sucessfully done the trick? Any advise would be grateful!!! (ps. We have 2 kids learning to ride bikes and due to the thorns they cannot ride in that portion of the yard....more reason to get rid of it!!!)

Does any one know how to eradicate a bougainvillea bush?
Cut the trunk as close to the ground as possible, drill holes in the stump and pour a "woody weed killer" (follow directions on the pack) down the holes straight away. This "woody weed killer" will kill the roots so it shouldn't reshoot. They are a lovely bush and it's a shame to kill it, but if it's out of control get rid of it and plant something just as lovely but without the nasty thorns. I hope this helps.