Devolution

or 'Self-Determination'

Imperial Caesar Dead and Turned to Clay

The world has laid low and the wind blows away like ashes
Alexander, Caesar, and all who were in their trust;
grass-grown is Tara, and see Troy now how it is -
and the English themselves, perhaps they too will pass!
Irish, Author Unknown; Seventeenth - Eighteenth Century
From A Celtic Miscellany translated by Kenneth Hurlstone Jackson

Devolution is, most simply put, getting rid of an outside rule in favor of self-rule.  This past summer, both Scotland and Wales voted to gain their own Parliaments (or in Wales, an Assembly).  Each new ruling body will be in place, hopefully, by the year 2000.

Celtic politics are changing.  The Sinn Fein, which has been linked with violence in the past, is now a straightforward political party with members in the Parliament of the Irish Republic.  While still dedicated to the ultimate reunification of the northern and southern parts of Ireland, they are also involved in the more mundane details of governing a country.

Politics may seem to be a modern topic, but they have been in place since the first time Man decided to live together in community for safety, companionship, and mutual benefit.  Simply because a chieftan may have had absolute power over his clan or tribe doesn't mean that there weren't political power plays and behind-the-scene action.

As this section evolves, we hope to have more in the line of politics, both current and historical.


Sinn Fein
Welsh Devolution
1998 Ireland: Peace Part 1 (long)
1998 Ireland: Peace Part 1-a (long)
1998 Ireland: Peace Part 2 (long)
1998 Ireland: Peace Part 2-a (long)
Ireland's Peace From the San Jose Mercury News

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