Notwithstanding the Bookies' view that it is as good as over, I think the Referendum is still too close to call. Each side serves a rocket which is returned by the other with swerve and spin and this will surely continue to polling day. I'm still undecided although President Obama's unnecessary intervention very nearly pushed me firmly into the Brexit camp.
My straw poll confirms everything the press reports. The under 50s and business owners will tend to vote In; the Grey Hairs will vote Out. A massive generalisation but one which seems to have an evidential basis. But I feel the biggest challenge still remains largely unspoken - on the 24th June someone will have to heal and lead a fractured Nation. It will be close - I predict no more than 5 percentage points in it - which means that nearly half the voting electorate will be hugely disappointed. To an extent a Brexit vote is a protest vote and if the result is to remain in the EU then I suspect we will all accept that and move on. But if the vote is to leave the anger felt by those who bitterly oppose change will be very hard to deal with. I just hope that the leaders on each side of the debate have worked out how to deal with the fallout.
James, a fair assessment of the situation, in my modest opinion. Even though I fall to the Brexit side of your equation, age wise, I am naturally suspicious of those who seek refuge and solace in what I believe is commonly called the "nation state". I remain convinced that it is all a matter of perspective - please let me illustrate. When I was in Lerwick, it was clear the Shetland Islanders didn't want to be ruled from Edinburgh. When I was in Edinburgh, well you know how alot of Scots feel about Westminster. For the UK as a whole, as you suggest, it is that lots of people don't like Brussels and the EU project!
ReplyDeleteI cannot help but wonder what (better) shape the EU would be in had we become a fully engaged member in 1975.