I AM beginning to sense that the Brexit issue may solve itself, hinging more on events in continental Europe than on the conflicting proclivities of our members of Parliament.

I refer to the heightening banking crisis in Italy; the recessionary trends in the German economy; the growing conflict in France between its government and ordinary citizens; the internal divisions caused by the Euro as a single currency, and the continuing concerns by many economists over its sustainability in the long-term; persistently high levels of unemployment in the Mediterranean countries, particularly amongst their youth; and present conflicts between Hungary and others opposing EU governance concerning the matter of the rights of nation states vs those of the Union.

Indeed, it all seems to be unravelling and converging at once, as all are related to some degree.

Only time will tell if these problems are sorted, but they have much to do with the need for reform within EU institutions, that of allowing far greater autonomy by its individual member states.

We as a country have argued that point over many years, but have always failed. Now is the time for the EU to confront that crucial fundamental matter, or risk losing all that has been accomplished thus far.

Looking for the silver lining in all of this chaos, it appears that voter apathy is dead. Ordinary people are getting increasingly involved in who rules us and whether or not our leaders are serving the whole community well.

Perhaps moments of truth like this are needed before changes for the better can happen.

Ira Fishman

Sedgwick