shane macgowan was cool to a point...i've heard some of his stuff with the popes, and while he's the same astounding songwriter, he's still the same drug-addled drunk who turns his own perfect creations into muddled performances...i have recordings of recent popes performances, and he's hardly coherent.
that said pogues in their era of greatness were one of the best bands i've ever heard.
as far as the irish/scots thing...i could be way off the mark. i just know i've met more irish and scots through bikes than any other pursuit i have.