And here's another reason to go for it now, Dave

Peter Hoskin at The Coffee House offers yet another reason why 'Dim Dave' would be wise to cut his losses - and the il-Lib-non-Dems are a total dead loss - and after picking a fight with them over, say, Europe, go to the country.  This diagram, he reckons, sums up the Lib-Dems' game plan for the remainder of this parliament:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This graph is based on the words of one of Clegg's advisors and as Hoskins points out, it is interesting that they think this year is the time for them to start kicking up to show their (spurious) independence.  Just a couple of weeks into the year and even I have noticed Clegg mouthing off more than usual.  Prime ministers are usually accused of weakness if they are unable to control their own backbenchers but the same accusation will be made if 'Dave' fails to command and control his coalition (non)partners.  As of now, Labour is in even more disarray than last year with an adolescent leader and a lying liar for a shadow chancellor.  There will never be a better time to go to the country because matters will only get worse not better.  Labour might actually show some gumption and do to Ed what Ed did to David; the 'Bruvvers' are winding up for another big ding-dong; the 'red-braces brigade' are only temporarily distracted from our dire condition by the non-stop crapulata in Europe but sooner or later they will take a hard look at us; and worst of all, the people have been fooled into thinking that they have suffered a period of austerity with hard, swingeing cuts but over the next two years they will finally feel the real thing!

So go for it now, 'Dave'.  Remember my boring wise old words concerning sex and drumming, timing is all!

 

Comments

[A K Haart]

I think you are right, but I'm not sure he and his chums have the courage. They'll be discussing it though.

[dearieme]

Timing is easy: do it as Huhne is tried.

[David Duff]

I'm beginning to wonder, DM, if the 'M' abbreviation I give you stands for Machiavelli?

I suspect you're right, AK, and as for the lack courage, I suggest the top ranks of the Tory party be made to sit and watch 'The Iron Lady'!

[Whyaxye]

Hoskin's graph is a bit flawed in that "Lib Dem identity" has not improved, and shows no signs of doing so. Even in the Guardian they are despised due to their U-turn on University fees, and most people in the country are probably wondering what the Lib Dems stand for other than the desire for power. So Cameron can afford to wait a bit, if he wants to. the Scottish issue will cause more of a split, if he wants to use that.

And hats off to dearieme for some stunning realpolitik. Could I suggest a campaign slogan of "Who's in the driving seat?"

[David Duff]

Well, that's the point, 'W', they - the Lib-Dems - think that by acting all stroppy they will improve their image by continually voicing their doubts whilst quietly encouraging the Tories to take the shitty end of the stick. Cameron will be a bigger mug than even I think him if he allows that to to on.