Territory and politics in Ireland and Great Britain after devolution ; Implications of devolutions for England

Territory and politics in Ireland and Great Britain after devolution-
This paper focuses primarily on the experience of devolution in the United Kingdom. Reflecting on a number of theories that have been posited as explanations of the current realty of British territorial politics, the author draws on Schopenhauer’s fable of the porcupines in order to reconcile the twin characteristics of renovation and revolution. The paper points to the political need to achieve a sense of cohesion, in order to secure the existence of a British identity in the face of challenges such as nationalism and the European Union. The paper concludes with the paradox of the Northern Irish situation in the broader context of British-Irish relations.

Implications of devolutions for England-
This paper outlines devolutionary moves within England and Cornwall, and the implications of the government white paper. The eight regional development agencies with their associated regional chambers are briefly described, as is the weak challenge so far posed by elected mayors. The presentation suggests that such a quasi-federal England could fit well into a broadened British-Irish Council.