"Ireland" and "Scotland" contra naturam

Well, I suppose that the paradox is that although the Irish Republic became an independent nation-state almost a century ago, Ireland itself is still divided, Sydney.

There is an interesting class dimension to all this. In rugby, Ireland is united; in football, Ireland is divided between North and South. So the upper classes see no problem with a united Ireland, as they, in general, still follow rugby rather than football!

As for Scotland, well, next autumn's referendum is likely to be closely fought. I have a date in Scotland, too, and I have not yet decided whether to make the case. My Scottish relatives, too, are deeply divided.

In principle, I would like to see a united Britain, a united Europe and a united world, Sydney. You, too? In practice, you cannot make one straight thing out of the crooked timber of humanity, so I am not particularly bothered anyway!