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.

-- 
Non gratum anus rodentum