Silly

[tattercoats]

Too much has been happening to keep up with here, though I will try - in the meantime, here's my take on the current state of the country: I rather hope Clegg chooses not to choose. He doesn't *have* to deal with anyone. Cameron can try running a minority Govt if he likes; he's not put enough on the table to deserve LibDem support, imho

Comments

[phillip2637]

"He doesn't *have* to deal with anyone."

I was wondering about that. I don't know your rules, and none of the articles I've read have described any options but one or the other form of coalition.

In Canada we have a very odd minority government. The other parties are so afraid that the Conservatives might get a majority in an election that they don't oppose them on anything substantial...thereby granting them all the benefits of a majority without them actually having to convince the electorate.

[the_gwenzilliad]

Talis, this is brilliant!

May I share it (with full credit and worshipful awe given to you, of course!)?

[tattercoats]

Please do!

[filklore_on_lj]

My initial thoughts on Clegg's announcement that he would consider the Conservatives first was that by doing so, he could then later claim that he had tried, but the Conservatives would not make sufficient concessions. This would then allow him to discuss a coalition with Labour on the basis of "it's the only option left open to us", thus (hopefully) avoiding howls of disapproval. "Not my fault, gov, blame the Tories for not playing nice

[demoneyes]

I think it's too early to say whether this is anything more than a negotiating tactic. Frankly even if Clegg had every intention of doing a deal with Cameron I'd still expect him to a) talk up rumours of dissension within his party ("Ooh, I could live with this deal, Dave, but my party needs another sweetener..."), and b) play both sides off against the other for the best possible offer he can get. As would anyone in that position.

Had he carried out the negotiations quietly, he might have got away with that. But with this public Labour posturing, I do wonder if it might all backfire on Clegg. We shall see.

[demoneyes]

Oh and as for "Clegg doesn't have to do a deal with anyone", that's true except that if whatever Government is formed is brought down anytime soon then there has to be an election that none of the parties can really afford, and the LibDems least of all IIRC.