Sandy - you're quite right about the emigration to Ireland - from Scotland, mainly, I believe. But once again, we're talking as early as the 17th century here, are we not? This was when the plantation of Ireland was the most prolific - around 100,000 people, I believe.

And, yes, if there had been a completely democratic vote before partition, Ireland would now be one country with one government - possibly a troubled one, but that's pure speculation.

I wonder what would happen if the UK Government actually decided to relinquish dominion of Northern Ireland and hand it completely to the Irish Republic. Conciliation? Civil War? (My point was a response to the concept of "driving out the invader", by the way). All I can say is that, judging by the bigots in the Orange Order and the still active members of small but fanatical groups of the IRA, it wouldn't exactly be a piece of cake, would it? Or am I just being cynical?