But ceapach, Ireland got its independence in 1922, and would probably have got it sooner but for WW1. The only exception being Northern Ireland where the majority want to remain part of the United Kingdom. So the majority of the people of Ireland as a whole have got what they want, except for the minority of Nationalist extremists in Northern Ireland who would like the Province to be part of Eire (Southern Ireland). But I stress that they are a minority and we've just been round all that with the IRA's murderous campaign from 1970 onwards, which had the ignorant and unwarranted support of many Irish-Americans, particularly in places like New York on today, St Patrick's day, when collectors were going round saying "give $10, it'll get the life of a British soldier". Totally outrageous, particularly when said soldier was only there trying to keep the peace in a war started by a minority who were trying to impose their politic wishes against a legitimate majority by the use of the bullet and the bomb.
From this side of the pond it seems that there is an extraordinary and unjustified ignorance on the part of many Irish-Americans and that, even now, many of them appear to want the majority in the North to be somehow subjugated and forced into being part of the South. What a lot of over-romantic and emotive nonsense!
As for Scotland, they are about to have their referendum on independence in September, which is what this thread is all about. The Scottish people will decide their own future for themselves and will then have to live with whatever decision they make. They already have their own Parliament and a considerable degree of self-autonomy, but some of them - particularly the vociferous SNP - want more. But not all do, and the vote will decide.
You seem to be suggesting that small is good and that the more small nations there are the better. Should therefore the Provinces of Canada now all break away from the whole and have their own independence? If they did, I think they would end up as pathetic shadows of Canada as it now exists, but that's only my view. Meanwhile, take a long close look at Ireland and, if you can find any better solution than the current status quo, do let us know!
Tony.
|