Devolved government

Devolved government
 

What does 'devolved' mean here?

The six northeastern counties remained part of the United Kingdom but were given devolved government.

Thanks. :)

The UK has always had a central government based in London (something which the Scots have always objected to). If you devolve power, you move the centre of government to a local city. For example, some power over Welsh affairs have been devolved to Cardiff, and some Scottish affairs to Edinburgh.

In your case, the counties were run from a government somewhere within those counties. :)

I'm talking about Ireland. So, a devolved government is a kind of autonomy?

Yes, except that the central government could (I suppose) have the power to regain control, and the devolved government would only cover certain aspects (finance, language issues, schools). Autonomy would involve all aspects of government (such as military), and so is a much stronger concept. :)

OK, thank you. :)