Perfect issue for a referendum

But difficulties are made to be overcome. There's no such word as can't. It only needs to be done.

So let's turn the question around a little. Why wouldn't we want a referendum on a particular issue? Only if we feared it might not give us the answer we wished for.

Though there are, of course, some questions which are not suitable for referenda. Roger mentions island-wide voting, but maybe the issue here is not so much what we want, but is more to do with the practicalities of introducing it?

On the other hand, take the issue of land reclamation. Here is a decision which is not only suitable for a referendum, but where a referendum would be highly desirable.

It's an issue which is of vital importance to the island as a whole. And it involves a choice between two contrasting future courses of action, both of which are problematic. It involves a choice, if you like, between the lesser of two evils.

Do we want to continue building on yet more green field land? (And by the way, derelict vinery sites are perfectly capable of being returned to their former green field state). Or do we want to start building on land reclaimed from the sea, which will affect the views for some people?

This is an issue which affects the island as a whole, particularly in view of our ever-shrinking countryside, our still soaring house prices and the difficulty of getting on to the property ladder.

So there's a definite balance to be struck here, and it would be right for the island as a whole to be able to decide what it is.

BOB PERKINS,

Les Corneilles,

Rue de la Ronde Cheminee,

Castel.