The vast majority of Corsicans feel part of the French Republic - and the independence fighters will take a long time to convince them otherwise

The island's only daily newspaper devoted less than a page to the event.

In general, Corsicans believe the new legislation will not put a stop to political violence on the island, and that the clandestine groups, especially the Corsican National Liberation Front (FLNC), will continue to plant bombs.

Although many Corsicans feel a certain sympathy for these groups - and even applaud them when they blow up tax offices or machine-gun police barracks - the vast majority of them feel part of the French Republic.

The independence fighters will take a long time to convince them otherwise.

What the Corsicans do want is to have their difference from other French people acknowledged.

Corsicans wish to have greater autonomy within the republic to look after their own affairs, free from the often disastrous intervention of technocrats in Paris

This explains why they agree with the nationalists over defending and promoting the Corsican language and culture, or preventing the construction of huge tourist complexes on their coasts, which could lead to the destruction of their unique environment.

But although they wish to remain French - and all the polls indicate that at least 85% do - Corsicans also wish to have greater autonomy within the republic to look after their own affairs, free from the often disastrous intervention of technocrats in Paris.

Language demands

Some progress has been made since the creation 20 years ago of the Corsican Assembly, and even more since the setting up of a mini-government.

These two institutions decide on the building of new schools, the construction and repair of roads, on transport issues, cultural programmes and certain taxes.

But Corsicans want more: they want the Corsican language to be officially taught, and the power to pass legislation for the island.

These provisions were included in the bill passed on Tuesday night.

It remains to be seen whether the Constitutional Tribunal - to which opponents have referred the bill - will uphold the changes or not.