in article 41C5931A.7020002@hotmail.com, Declan Murphy at
declan_murphy@hotmail.com wrote on 12/19/04 11:41 PM:

> Ernest Schaal wrote:
>> in article cq2t98$bo2$5@nnrp.gol.com, B Robson at Xb-robsonX@gol.com wrote
>> on 12/19/04 12:41 PM:
>> 
>>> Ernest Schaal wrote:
>>> 
>>>> The story of Ireland is not a pretty one, sort of like the story of the
>>>> Middle East. Both sides have done a lot of things that were morally wrong,
>>>> and both sides killed plenty of innocent children. If there is to be peace
>>>> in Ireland, both sides are going to have to forgive the other, instead of
>>>> enjoying their martyrdom.
>> 
>>> It's interesting that while the rest of Europe are doing their best to
>>> merge into a super state, Scotland has just got a brand new parliament,
>>> Ireland is still fighting with itself, and the Welsh are trying to
>>> promote nationalism. (Welsh nationalism is an hilarious concept).
>> 
>> I agree that it is interesting that while the rest of Europe is becoming
>> more centralized, Great Britain is becoming more regional. Any ideas as to
>> why this is happening?
> 
> Why wouldn't it happen? It is not just in the UK that this process is
> beginning - it is simply that the situation in the UK is the one
> receiving the most coverage (understandably) in english language media.
> Functions that were once exclusively the role of national governments
> have, are, and will continue to become the responsibility of the EU and
> its various commissions/agencies, or to be more precise - whatever
> eventually replaces the current EU setup. For example monetary policy,
> agriculture policy, trade negotiations, border controls, environmental
> protections, even an increasing amount of defence & foreign policy etc.
> Responsibility for those functions that are best done locally (and as
> locally as possible) will I think naturally devolve the other way.
> Regional parliaments, city, provincial & other local governments and
> authorities are going to grow in relative importance over the next 30-50
> years.

The reason why I asked why this is happening is that it is contrary to the
main trend toward centralization. I realize that the EU constitution is
facing trouble getting approved, but it is a major step toward greater
centralization.