IT is apparent that the Prime Minister will have his work cut out to get the support of the British electorate for the proposed EU constitution.

Even taking into account that the referendum is still a considerable time away, opposition to the constitution appears too solid for him to be confident of achieving a 'yes' vote.

It is important, however, that the issue is debated fairly and properly.

It must be made clear that there is nothing inherently wrong with the notion of a constitution for the EU.

For example, every sports and social club across Britain has a set of rules by which they are administered.

It is impossible to administer and hold together a union of 25 nations and cultures without a set of rules and guidelines.

In itself, the creation of an EU constitution is not sinister.

The constitution must be examined according to what it actually contains and not merely the myths perpetuated about it.

By the time the referendum comes round, it is to be hoped that the myths have been dispelled, and that we are able to judge the constitution on its merits.

People power

MUCH has been spoken and written about the unique atmosphere of "People's Sunday" at Wimbledon.

There is much to be said for giving true tennis fans the chance to get prized tickets for the show courts at the championships.

It remains a mystery why only poor weather in the first week prompts the Wimbledon authorities to play matches on the middle Sunday.

Surely, if there is a special atmosphere to be created and extra money to be made, it makes sense to make "People's Sunday" a permanent fixture.