In Defence Of FibDems (A Bit)

Keir, like many, disagrees wholeheartedly with the Liberal Democrats decision to ally with the Conservatives to form the new Government. This isn't because they chose the Tories over Labour, but rather that going into coalition with a party so drastically opposed to your own ideology is just plain wrong. On the one hand they were right in a democratic sense to have talks with the biggest party first. However, also in a democratic sense, they were wrong to go into coalition with a party that most of their voters do not identify with in any way.

But in light of today's polls showing LibDem support plummeting, I do think that it's worth pointing out that there is an argument that could stand when trying to justify their decision. It was expressed by Vince Cable recently (in an article that I can't find to link to) and has been quietly uttered by some LibDems from time to time, but not loud enough in my opinion. Part of me can understand that they saw this opportunity to influence policy even to a small degree despite only holding any power because their seats held sway in creating an effective majority. They have wielded a lot more power than they warrant with their seat proportion. Though the much maligned Tory "gerrymandering" will tarnish it, the referendum on AV would never have been a thought to Tories had they won a majority. Nor would some of the economic policies such as the proposed graduate tax. These ideas wouldn't have seen the light of day; even if the Tories may end up throwing them out eventually.

The likes of Simon Hughes and Vince Cable are at least trying. Granted, I don't like Cable and still think he's a perennial turncoat, but he's clearly exerting influence way beyond his party's mandate from the electorate.

My real problem comes with the new Tories: Mr. Anti-Nuclear Chris Huhne, thief David Laws, tax-dodger Danny Alexander and, most of all, Deputy Dawg himself. These men have sold out their principles. Either that, or they were basically Tories all along but just wanted to be different in University and it's just stuck. Huhne has sold out on nuclear, Laws on economics and, well, principles, Alexander on...erm...economics and principles, and Clegg on basically everything.

That said, I'm glad their poll results are diabolical and I do think they have totally sold out. They should have left a Tory minority government to rot. So, basically, this was a pretty pointless post. Just a mini-rant.

Something more productive next time.

LetUsFaceTheFuture.