Hi,
Indeed, installing the hotplug package worked perfectly... tnx for the suggestion!This is not quite accurate. What you need to do is install hotplug, which should call ifup eth# when you plug in a new pcmcia card... In my setup, I then use interface mappings for eth0 and eth1 (to differentiate between my wired card and my wifi card). I can send you my mapping script (written in ruby) if you want it.
Cheers, Chris.