Let’s look to the heart of Europe — Switzerland

THE Lisbon II vote is a straight run off between those who ardently believe in democracy and those who have despaired of it cutting the mustard any more. The Yes’s do have a point.

Democracy depends entirely upon good candidates coming forward and the voters doing their job. If either falls down on the job the result is — well — it’s all around us, isn’t it?

Party loyalty can have no place in this enormous decision. What we are presented with by the Yes side is at best the likelihood of improved efficiency of government and further enlargement with Turkey joining. Turkey is strategically important on the world stage for military, gas and oil reasons. And without Lisbon the EU cannot legally bring them in.