ABSTRACT
One fairly obvious reform of a highly centralised state would be to devolve power down to regional or local units. During the years 1997-99 this is precisely what happened in the UK but the motive behind it was not so much governing efficiency but recognising national identity. Acts of Union in 1536, 1707 and 1800 had apparently set in stone the adherence of Wales, Scotland and Ireland to England, within the United Kingdom. But these unions – solid on the surface – in reality were being eroded by the forces of nationalism.
