PERHAPS it is the hope for the England team in the coming World Cup.

Maybe it is the publicity surrounding the debate over Scottish independence.

For some, it may even be a comment on next month’s European elections.

There is no denying that this year sees a renewed interest in today’s celebration of St George’s Day.

True, the enthusiasm is not as lively as St Patrick’s Day, when the Irish and others celebrate a saint who was actually born in England.

And yes, the English do not wear their roses on their lapels in the same manner in which the Welsh mark their patron saint, St David.

But the flags of St George are to be seen in much greater abundance this year and have been growing in numbers over the last few April 23 celebrations in fact.

If Scotland does break away from the United Kingdom then undoubtedly this trend will continue.

Even if the union remains united there is nothing wrong with the English finally learning to celebrate their own patron saint’s day, even if sainthood is not even part of their culture. There are plenty of dragons for St George to slay for us, no matter what our background.