The right to self-determination is a precious thing indeed. It must be treated with all due respect by everyone, and every political party. It's not something to be manipulated or trifled with. Every vote cast should be regarded as a sacred trust.

It's for those reasons that referendums called on populist measures will always be suspect. Those calling the vote aren't seeking sober reflection on an issue, but are looking to ride a wave of emotion to victory. It's bad enough when that happens over matters as trivial as zoning bylaws. It's likely to be a disaster when it happens over something as momentous as breaking up a country.

On the latter point, it should be clear that those who reside in a region of a country don't 'own' it. ALL citizens of the country own each and every part. Any notion of self-determination concerning a region must acknowledge the will of all the nation's citizens, whether they live in the region or not.