You just love your labels don't you. Is that because it dehumanizes someone and therefore makes them easier to hate. So you assume I'm republican.

Well, you seem to have labelled me as a labeller! And given the reasons why I'm a labeller... I'm not bothered by this, Den, I'm just trying to make you stop & think about what you're saying & how you're saying it. (BTW the "making excuses" para wasn't directed at you, but I'm sure you realise that)

Yes, I am English & proud of it. Just as you're proud of being Irish. Nowt wrong with that. "I am proud of my race/nation because..." is fine, in my book (provided you're also aware of the crap things you've been responsible for too). It's when you cross the line into "We're better than you because..." that patriotism (a human trait) becomes bigotry (an all too human failing :( )...