David Cameron promises referendum on Europe

This headline encapsulates all that is wrong with the way referendums are conducted in most 'democratic' countries in Europe. The fact that a politician promises something - anything - should already put the reader on his guard. But that the holding of any referendum is decided by exactly the people they are supposed to reign in is a fatal flaw in their organisation. As long as the referendum is dependent on the willingness of governments to hold them they are likely to be abused for ulterior political motives and result in a distorted picture of the will of the electorate.