Referendums are the way to go; forget other ideas

To quote Northern Ireland as a basis of having a coalition government in Thailand now is somewhat false. The Irish conflict was unique. Britain experienced more than 50 years of terrorism. The conflict originated from the claim of oppression of the Protestant majority over the Catholic minority in Northern Ireland (part of Britain) while the neighbouring Republic of Ireland (predominantly Catholic) watched and sympathised with their northern brethren.
The solution pursued by Tony Blair and his counterpart began with two agreed referendums in 1998 – one in Northern Ireland and another in the Republic – with the aim of recognising the human rights of all citizens and decommissioning paramilitary weapons and releasing of paramilitary prisoners. The referendums were overwhelmingly approved in the North and approved by majority in the Republic. Based on these, both governments had big clout in ending the conflict for good. Thereafter, the whole island experienced an unprecedented economic boom.
If the National Reform Council wants to really prove its worth, then try to quickly conclude the draft constitution for electorate to approve in a referendum. Only through referendum will trust in people will return. They should forget immaterial points and the pursuit of the impossible and time-wasting reconciliation. Only arming with an approved referendum will the woes be solved instead of the laughable aim of a coalition government - Abhisit and whoever! Are they at their wits’ end?
Songdej Praditsmanont
Bangkok