Chirac Has Some Problems

The French and Dutch appear to be on the verge of voting down the EU constitution. Chirac, ever the politician, won't let Britain gain if this happens, however:

PRESIDENT CHIRAC of France is preparing to throw Europe into confusion and put Britain on the spot by backing moves to keep the European constitution alive if it is rejected in Sunday’s referendum.

French diplomats say that M Chirac is expected to urge other countries to proceed with ratification because France does not want to be seen to be blocking the European project. Any attempt to persuade other countries to go ahead will dash the hopes of those in the British Government who believed that a French rejection would make a British referendum unnecessary.

British ministers argue that it will be impossible to hold a referendum next year because the final shape of the treaty on which the British would be voting will be unknown.

The EU is an idea that just won't work. Too many cultures, too many old feuds and France trying to lead. It sound like a recipe for disaster to me.