Our decision will have major consequences for our future, and it is right and necessary that all be engaged in the debate. It is above all for these reasons that the Government has decided to hold a second referendum. Those who oppose the Treaty of Nice allege that this course of action is wrong. Some have even advanced the argument that somehow or other it is unconstitutional to return in a democracy to the people and ask them their wishes on an issue of fundamental importance to them, to their children and to their children's children. It is peculiar that those who present themselves as champions of democracy would seek to impede the efforts of a democratically elected Government to place a matter of great significance before the people for their democratic decision.