The way I see it, the arguments in favour of the coalition are compelling; pragmatic compromise between the Lib Dems and the Conservatives equals rationalisation of policies; merging of the talents within the two parties; legitimacy to tackle the fiscal and structural deficits; no party won an overall majority so coalition politics are essential to get the country moving, or we’ll be faced with another election.
You might like to read the some of the commentators views on the first 100 days of the Coalition government. Some are favourable, some are hostile. Here are two of each.
- The Economist: The unlikely revolutionary – “David Cameron’s Britain has embarked on the toughest fiscal tightening and most drastic decentralisation of any big, rich country. The stakes are high. So are the risks.” FAVOURABLE
- Daily Telegraph: 100 days: how do they follow that – “The business of government is booming, good manners and even laughter have returned to Number 10. But will the Coalition camaraderie that masks suspicions on both sides stand up to the tough days ahead.” FAVOURABLE
- The Guardian: Cameron’s Mr Nice act still fools some, but the pain is a wake-up call – Cameron’s campaign had no mention of such bitter cuts. Blaming the public sector won’t work as his popularity slumps.” HOSTILE
- Daily Mail: After 100 days in No 10, is the honeymoon over for the Coalition? – “The Coalition Government’ s honeymoon with the British public is all but over, a poll for the Daily Mail shows today.” HOSTILE
During the week I’ll give my own short summary of the 100 days of the coalition government.