Come on Jack. I bet you say you are Canadian, rather than American? (Every Canadian I know makes the distinction, yet you have as much right as anyone else On the continent to call yourself American. I know I have said it before, but I saw a wonderful T-shirt in Vancouver a few years ago. Canadian {noun} Unarmed American with healthcare.

There seems to debate as to whether the term United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is still a valid term of reference if we repair the breeches in Hadrian's Wall?

Well, nobody worries about a country called The United States of America!

It isn't every day I applaud an approach by the government but I do feel it somewhat positive that regardless of whether I like their politics, ministers are pointing out what they are paid to point out. They are entrusted to act in the interest of The United kingdom, so it would be wrong for them not to state an opinion on something that could be to our detriment, and "our" includes the people of Scotland if you hadn't noticed. The stance on monetary union is valid because it could affect the people of The UK.

Storm in a teacup, but amusing debate, with the Wallace wannabes coming out of their closet. We'll have forgot about it by October. Sadly, I have to give a talk in Edinburgh this weekend, (been cancelled twice..) and cannot avoid speaking of professional accreditation recognition. A bit of an issue for many. After all. Even my own responsible adult is a fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, as are many more. The Ireland college needed an inter government agreement after the forming of The Free State.

Give 'em a bloody Parliament, they want a sodding country. (OK, a sodden country.)