The thirst for more authority and powers in the devolved Parliament began, not with Salmond, but with Donald Dewar. Holyrood did gain more power - un-noticed - because Labour was in government in both nations. Whenever there is a difference in administration - regardless of what that administration is - there will be a divergance in legislation and policy - and probably resentment and acrimony, jealousy and envy. As Holyrood gains more power - and over the years they will, devolved or not, that acrimony will only grow. Is that how we want the next ten, twenty or thirty years to be? Continuing carping, resentment, acrimony over a slight, or a grievence, real or otherwise? Because that's what will happen, whether SNP, Labour or whatever party is in power in Scotland. Were we a region, with a regional assembly or council. then there would be fewer issues. We are not, and never have been. We are a nation, with national aspirations, national ambition, and all the baggage tradition and history of a nation. We can either live as friendly nations together in these islands, responsible for our own destinies and mistakes - or thirled together in a loveless marriage eating ourselves up daily.