"What we are trying to is to get folks to examine the importance of being 'British'"

Hmmm, not sure about importance Tir . . .

But we have examined that to a large degree in this thread. Many people who live on the Island of Britain do not consider themselves British. I have a feeling this might be weighted somewhat by the type of forum we all frequent.

Folk musicians will have a strong feel of their national identies as they are directly engaged in their cultures (which means I should be Irish, as that is what I mainly play), whereas the average citizen may well consider themselves British. Look at how many were waving the accursed Union Flag at cricket the other day when England were playing.