For nearly a century now, MOST of Ireland has not been aggressively or otherwise occupied by the UK. Inclusion in a definition of the CURRENT UK would thus be grossly incorrect. I am (quite) aware of the history, thanks, but for once wished to avoid getting bogged down in history no longer relevant, however fascinating. Of course, all Ireland remains technically British because still a British isle; that is a matter of geography, not politics (a distinction I realize some have difficulty grasping. )