>>Interestingly the people of Hong Kong were not >>given that option a few years ago

I also find it interesting that the USA can't send their spoilers in fast enough to break socialist regimes in South America, yet they can't bend over fast enough to support a socialist regime in Ireland (and a terrorist sponsored one at that) It's a funny old game. Isn't it quirky how things change when the problems aren't on your own doorstep.

>>Most people in Britain i'd wager just want to >>be shot of the whole ugly mess in Northen >>ireland

Right on... maybe they can take a vote in Texas to decide if we ought to give California back to Mexico. If there is an undercurrent of people who want a socialist utopia, that'll be as good as it gets.