The deed is done. The Lib-Dem. contrary to their "principles" ( Principles be damned"...Disraeli...do what you have to , to get into power), have jumped into bed with the "Cameron feel-good Conservatives). Of course, it is beng played up as "in the national interest", but this is a lot of hogwash and it is purely ego-gratification, and this "government for five years" will not last one year.
The Conservatives are back from the political wilderness after 13 years and the Lib-Dem are getting their first taste of power, ever. The last coalition government was the Churchill/Atlee war government of 1940, which was necessary. This one is pure opportunism. The Conservatives should be allowed to form a government and there could have bveen an "arrangrement" as we have had in Canada in the 60's with Pearson and in 1972 with Trudeau being supported by the New Democrats. These government, forced to compromise, did some good eg. adopting the New Democrat's Medicare and of course the Flag and the National Anthem. There was broad consensus eg. opposing the Vietnam war, and some stability. The Liberals got all the kudos and translated them into electoral victory in 1968 and 1072 to the detriment of the New Democrats. The same fate awaits the Lib.-Dem. They are going to be used to project the Conservatives as moderate and beyond the toxic Thatcherite extremism, and Cameron, if he is able to fend off his detractors in his party, and keep the party just right -of centre, will be elected to the majotity he was denied. He would have been tested and voter skeptism wiil be eroded.
Britain, can learn from Germany and the 9 or so other coalition governments in Europe. Cameron should call Merkl and Sarkozy, and get some tips on how to navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of coalition. It is a tough learning curve that he and Clegg are entering and at first all will seem honky-dory, but soon the differences on Europe, taxes, immigrtation, electoral reform (this one is the Lib-Dems best chance for growth) etc. will begin to bite into this "Potemkin "government. One year for this marriage of convenience.
The Conservatives are back from the political wilderness after 13 years and the Lib-Dem are getting their first taste of power, ever. The last coalition government was the Churchill/Atlee war government of 1940, which was necessary. This one is pure opportunism. The Conservatives should be allowed to form a government and there could have bveen an "arrangrement" as we have had in Canada in the 60's with Pearson and in 1972 with Trudeau being supported by the New Democrats. These government, forced to compromise, did some good eg. adopting the New Democrat's Medicare and of course the Flag and the National Anthem. There was broad consensus eg. opposing the Vietnam war, and some stability. The Liberals got all the kudos and translated them into electoral victory in 1968 and 1072 to the detriment of the New Democrats. The same fate awaits the Lib.-Dem. They are going to be used to project the Conservatives as moderate and beyond the toxic Thatcherite extremism, and Cameron, if he is able to fend off his detractors in his party, and keep the party just right -of centre, will be elected to the majotity he was denied. He would have been tested and voter skeptism wiil be eroded.
Britain, can learn from Germany and the 9 or so other coalition governments in Europe. Cameron should call Merkl and Sarkozy, and get some tips on how to navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of coalition. It is a tough learning curve that he and Clegg are entering and at first all will seem honky-dory, but soon the differences on Europe, taxes, immigrtation, electoral reform (this one is the Lib-Dems best chance for growth) etc. will begin to bite into this "Potemkin "government. One year for this marriage of convenience.
