Physics or chemistry?

I am obliged to Rachel Sylvestor of  The Times for providing me with an excellent metaphor for the current imbroglio in British politics.  She reports a senior Tory summing up the relationship between the Cameron Tories and the Clegg LibDems as follows:

One senior Conservative says a deal remains a very real possibility. “It’s as much about chemistry as it is about physics. The physics would lead you to believe that it’s not possible to reach an agreement that satisfies the deeply held principles of both the Conservatives and the Lib Dems on constitutional reform. But the chemistry of the individuals matters too. With David Cameron and Nick Clegg this could be a moment when chemistry trumphs over physics.”

Will chemistry beat physics?  I don't believe it for a second.  The LibDems are stuffed full of people who would not look out of place on the wilder shores of Labour's Leftie fringe and many of the MPs are all too well aware that they hold their seats because of Labour supporters voting tactically.  Any link with the dreaded Tories would damn them forever in the Labour party.  As for the Tory Right wing, it has been quiescent so far but, I suspect, will not take much more.  They have never thought highly of the self-proclaimed "heir to Blair" but have kept quiet out of loyalty and, for some of them, the hope of ministerial jobs many of which now seem likely to go to the pro-European LibDems.  I suspect that many of them, like me, think that Cameron has already lost his negotiating nerve when, under pressure from Brown's bribe yesterday, he changed his mind and instantly offered the 'Tart's party' a referendum on a change to the voting system instead of a free vote in the commons to decide whether or not a referendum should be held.

Cameron, like Clegg, is consumed with ambition.  He seems unable to realise that an inherently weak government is the very last entity a wise man would wish to lead through the forthcoming economic and social horrors that are about to hit us in 'a perfect storm'.  He should back-peddle and allow Labour and the 'Tarts' with, God help 'em, the aid of the vindictive Nats, to try and form a government and let them take the bucket-full of brown stuff that is already swinging towards them before they collapse in a heap, probably before Christmas.  Cameron should copy Jellicoe's tactics at Jutland when he turned away from the German fleet in order to avoid the torpedos and the mines in the certain knowledge that it was not necessary for him to win the the battle, only that it was utterly crucial that he did not lose.

ADDITIONAL:  I am provoked by these photos over at Guido's place to wonder whether we really do want Mr. Bean as prime minister?

 

Or indeed, whether we would prefer Mr. Gumby:

 

The democracy of choice is a truly wondrous thing!

Comments

[dearieme]

Of course, if Cameron is really lucky, the Libdems will split, either now or in a few months time. I still find it hard to believe that the Libdems could possibly think it in their own interest to serve under Brown, especially since it would be either a minority government, or a multiparty suicide pact.

[David Duff]

But they will get (assuming they can stitch together a majority in the House - and get it through the Lords!!) an immediate change in the voting system which they think will be to their advantage. I suspect that disgust with Labour and the 'Tarts' will be such that Cameron might win under any system and then he will promptly repeal the legislation. He who laughs last didn't get the joke!

[JK]

There was for a well, pretty short time, I thought I had a handle on what was going on, on the Eastern Atlantic Seaboard - but now I'm totally confused.

How's about a PowerPoint Presentation David?

Contact Jeanie O should support be requisite (no, just in the presentation) she is after all, "Good in all the ways I can think of."

With the possible exception of English politics.

[David Duff]

"now I'm totally confused"

You have just joined a not very exclusive club, 'JK'!