You appear to interpret my views as "pro EU". Not at all. But one must take a pragmatic view. To repeatedly claim that because it's far from perfect, it will lead to collapse is unrealistic. The fact is, the EU is much too big to fail now. It won't collapse, and will only continue on a path toward federalism. In fact, if it doesn't, it will eventually collapse, and absolutely nobody would benefit from that, including Britain (in or out).

That's not to say a more powerful, more "federal" EU will somehow become more democratic, less regulatory, or less protectionist. Probably more so. But that's just European character. That won't change much no matter what.

However, it could be argued that if the EU already had a consistent, centralised customs and border control in place, the refugee crisis would be very, very different. Perhaps page 4 news, instead of the elephant in the room.

The Euro crisis was similarly a result of no central control, but now that the Euro is for all intents and purposes, under control of the ECB (as it should have been in the first place), the likelihood of another Euro crisis is much more remote. And... The EU now has much more control over eurozone politics. Rather like a "federal" entity. But no, that won't ever happen, will it?

Like you I'm not necessarily pro EU but I don't think the referendum will throw up any surprises. The UK will remain in I'm sure.

Regarding the voting in the referendum you can go to:

www.gov.uk/voting-when-abroad

If you meet the criteria fill in and this gives you a reference number. You are then directed to Home - About my vote

You fill in this with your last registered voting address etc. Should give you a postal vote but do it sooner so that the paperwork has time to get to you.

One thing the normal guys n gals on the street, the Electorate !!! should be doing is
pushing and demanding from their local MP office. A s a p.

The government should providing info, documents, and notices of some type of
Manifesto, describing and arguing, for both sides of the argument.
If possible, create some lobby to counter for the electorate, if no info platform
forthcoming, the electorate wants the date pushed out, until the electorate
know what they are voting for, and not be forced to vote on something they
know nothing about, that will change their lives and future generations for ever.
Question time on BBC proves everyweek what a bunch of incompetents, we have on both
sides of the argument.

Whilst I don't have a direct stake in the outcome ( Irish Citizen) I am somewhat touched by the confidence the UKIP types have that all the subsidies currently paid by Europe out of UKs contribution, inc fisheries, agriculture etc will be definitely honoured by Posh Daves caring billionaires......

Clever Irish eyes...

The spanish press, or at least this little part of it, is reporting an "avalanche" of Irish passport applications by the 'english' - though it doesn't put a number on what avalanche means.

ETA just noticed it's taken from the Guardian

Dang. also realised I didn't include the link. Here it is http://www.eldiario.es/theguardian/i...491351160.html

Applications at the Irish Passport Office in Lobdon have apparently increased 7 fold

That probably does count as an avalanche then....

Sadly I think my Irish heritage would be too far back in history to help. If it comes to the worst, I'll just have to get married. :/

I will marry you and then you can get our passport. We could do one of those let on marriages the illegals do in England

You get karma for that