Firstly, we believe that Northern Ireland constitutes a natural unit of governance. We share in the logic that while certain decisions are best taken at a national level, some are best taken at an international level, and others are best taken at a regional level. In today's world, this logic is more true than ever. The efficacy of the state is being challenged by both integrative and disintegrative forces. Devolution is simultaneously a natural response to both globalisation and the demands for greater decentralisation.
Devolution is now the norm throughout Europe.
Until recently, Britain and Ireland had been the odd men out in Europe. There is now a heavy emphasis on a Europe of the Regions. I, myself, have represented Northern Ireland within the EU's Committee of the Regions. Regions have clearly become actors in their own right. They often co-operate together, bypassing their own national governments.