The October 7th piece on this blog, about Englishmen and self-deprecation, hit a particularly sensitive bone with me.

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I think the same can be applied to the people of those colonies near England where pride of performance in things like "the war" and "the Golden Victorian age" are still remembered with fondness, namely Wales, Scotland and home, sweet home, Northern Ireland.

To certain extent, this "English" trait still pervades in Englands oldest, and most troublesome, former colony. You'll find this attitude among every human being on the ENTIRE Irish Island. But run for cover if you suggest it to an Irishman!