[c_plus_minus]

I don't see the need to have mandatory ID. The thought of being fined for not "showing my papers" while walking down the street is disturbing.

Can't speak for the UK, but I think a lot of the resistance to the idea in Ireland is due to a long history of distrust of the authorities.

[blueskin_]

Definitely the same in the UK. It's likely the death of Blair/Brown's <s>citizen tracking</s>ID card scheme killed the idea for other countries considering one.

[zokier]

> The thought of being fined for not "showing my papers" while walking down the street is disturbing.

Having a ID card does not imply that authorities have right to inspect it at will, or that you are required to carry it with you at all times.

[c_plus_minus]

That why I said "mandatory"...