Referendums/Referenda

[The Gaffer]

Originally posted by RÃ*an
I don't see people picketing with signs saying "I'm confused, please tell me what to do". I really don't understand what you're saying

LOL. You're quite right.

I agree with JD and GM here. Lots of issues have complex technical details so it makes sense to appoint a representative, equip him or her with a team of objective advisers, and ask them to make a decision based on that advice and the broader political agenda.

Too many referenda would result in the death of politics.

Having said that, I am optimistic that people are smarter than they appear, and I believe that decisions should be made at a local level wherever possible.

The current hot topic here is whether we should have a referendum on a possible European Constitution.

That seems like a reasonable suggestion, as it might result in significant changes to sovereignty. However, I worry that most people will vote with their anti-foreigner heads on.

Blair has been quite clever in committing to one at this stage: at a stroke he has neutered one of the Tories' main lines of attack and strengthened his own hand in negotiations with the rest of Europe over what's in the Constitution.