Well gee whizz. Politics in the UK enters uncharted waters. Listening to the commentariat and various MPs over the last 24 hours has been fascinating.
It is possible, although unlikely, that the coalition will re-define politics in the modern era. Should they manage to stick it out, rein in the economy and return civil liberties to the people then some of the people who voted for the LibDems to keep the Tories out will have their anger assuaged. It works in other democracies – it should be possible to work here.
And then again……Last night a selection of Tory backbenchers and potential ministers were interviewed on Newsnight. And what a depressing bunch they were.
The electorate were fed up with Labour and had fallen out with Gordon Brown. Some voters dallied with the LibDems but not enough to make the breakthrough they threatened. Then there is the anti-tory vote. Massive in Scotland, less so in England. Many folks actually hate the tories with a passion, including many LibDem voters. They will watch the goings-on with more than passing interest. Two out of the three ‘hatchet’ jobs in the cabinet have gone to LibDems, tying them in to a programme of cuts. Nice one Dave!
The right wing of the Tory party are less than happy to see this coalition. They will use their friends in the press to stir up trouble. Cameron has enemies in his own party. They feel that the election campaign was poor and robbed them of outright victory. The speed with which Cameron grabbed the opportunity is revealing and may herald a fresh start - if he survives.
And where have all the women gone?
The dangers for the LibDems are obvious. Mess it up and they face virtual oblivion. There are threats for Labour too. A successful coalition rewrites the rules. The AV system (not the best, but a stepping stone) will make smaller parties slightly more electable.
What will happen next?
As Harold MacMillan said, “Events dear boy, events.”
Watch this space.
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