EU talks on the future of its draft ‘constitution’ are not going well. That’s no surprise – its provisions would make a straitjacket seem generously tailored. What is far more astonishing is the way that Europe’s political classes continue to delude themselves. Check out this comment from Noelle Lenoir, France’s Europe minister:

“Public expectations are extremely high and must not be let down.”

Well no, Noelle. Check the polls. The vast majority of voters are indifferent, opposed or unaware, and that is why your own government is beginning to backtrack on the idea of letting the French people decide on this nightmare document for themselves.