I’d have more faith in an offer of protection from the Mafia (if I paid) than Mr Cameron’s referendum. The cavets are, broadly, if he wins a majority, and if he renegotiates membership terms with the EU, then he’ll put his new deal to a referendum. If the EU declines to negotiate, a condition precedent fails, no referendum. I might as well offer you a buggy ride at my local country show, if a Bull agrees to wear a saddle, and if it agrees to tow you.
– Samizdata commenter Mr. Ed, who may or may not be a horse of course.
The Mafia has a reputation worth protecting.
There is, of course, no such thing as a Mafia.
A bit like the last referendum “promise.”
At least organised crime have ethics, read Mob Rules by Louis Ferrante.
And the oaths they took meant something.
I have no fear, Mr Cameron’s promise of letting the people vote on E.U. power is “ironclad”, just like his last promise.
“Armed Forces Day” may be a odd idea (what about the 11th of the 11th?), but to use Armed Forces Day to push “talking to the Taliban” shows what sort of man Mr Cameron is. If the war is lost then have the honesty to say so. No fake “peace deals” please.
Mr Cameron will wave a piece of soiled toilet paper and proclaim “Piss for Our Time”.