Obviously a democratic organisation trying to use democratic means to create a larger and more coherent democratic organisation should never dream of trying to use democratic methods to influence voters who live within its borders, in any way whatsoever.

The suggestion that it might want to makes absolutely no sense of any kind.

It can't be done, it shouldn't be attempted, no one wants it, it's probably illegal, immoral, and fattening, and the sky will explode if anyone in Brussels so much as considers the possibility.

Congratulations. You and Colman have made my point for me with rare perfection.

Well played.

Now that that's settled - perhaps we can have a diary about how both of you think the pocket nationalists and the sceptics should be handled?

Or is it only a UK problem and not an issue in Spain, Ireland, and elsewhere in the EU?