There is a new spirit about in the UK Change is in the air. The IRA cease-fire and the invitation to peace talks of Sinn Fein, the militant wing of Northern Ireland Catholic nationalism, is yet a third. The European Union is no longer the boogey man, the foreign enemy, but rather a part of the nation's future. Government is becoming less remote. Rule from afar is to be replaced by empowerment of the people.
Local democracy is the order of the day.
The proposal to have an elected mayor of London is the first move toward regional devolution within Britain following votes in Scotland and Wales in favor of establishing their own parliaments. Prime Minister Tony Blair has enjoyed the longest political honeymoon of any new premier in recent history. Everything had been going smoothly until the controversy over a sizable political donation from businessman Bernie Eccelstone caused some dissension among Blair supporters in November. But all in all, the new prime minister still appears to be on a roll. He is clever enough not to spell out specific targets but to speak in generalities about improving the quality of life, education, job prospects, growing the economy, and making the UK the envy of the world.