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And the winner is...

The 2010 general election has certainly had its twists and turns, culminating in a cliffhanger result. Now, however, it is clear what the shape of the new government will be: a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition.

It is not going to be an easy ride.

However, the impact of Liberal Democrat voices around the cabinet table could well be profound. In any event, the very nature of a coalition will mean a more open kind of politics. There is also the matter of electoral reform: a referendum has been conceded by the Conservatives as part of the government programme. There is now an agreed programme on education - where in truth the parties' policies were not that different. It is the economy that is now the most important focus, and with Vince Cable taking a senior role, we can at least hope for some coherence and forward thinking here.

The two exhausted negotiating teams should be congratulated on coming out with a detailed programme. Nick Clegg should be congratulated on sticking firm to his principles. David Cameron should be congratulated on becoming Prime Minister at so young an age.

We are in a new political world this morning. For the Liberal Democrats it is a step along the road towards a better political system, but it will be a tricky path to follow. Our country faces new challenges, but let us hope that with intelligence and good will we can face up to these challenges and build a country that more accurately reflects the will of its people and which can deliver better economic and social conditions for the whole nation.

Comments

Newmania said…
Vince Cable taking a senior role, we can at least hope for some coherence and forward thinking here.


..and his first act of coherence has been to admit that we have to cut this year. Thank god for that.
I am sorry to find you in splentic mood ( on previous post). I am full of optimism and good wishes myself
Unknown said…
Hey Cicero, do you have a copy of the orange book I can borrow, it's seemingly out of print and unavailable everywhere!?

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