Things can only get better

I am genuinely excited by the prospect of this new government. Although I voted blue this time, I could easily vote liberal democrat in future. Especially if they become more Liberal and less Social Democrat.

I think Tory party (especially the left of it) have really quite a lot in common with the Lib Dems. Whether on civil liberties, small government or low taxation the two parties have actually drifted closer together under Cameron & Clegg, and can stand together against the centralist authoritarian option that Labour offers.

Both parties had policies in their manifestos that I agree with, so if this coalition government manages to get the best of both parties’ promises onto the statute book then things may be pretty damn good.

My main problems with the Tory manifesto was their immigration policy, the inheritance threshold being raised and the married(/civil partnershiped) persons tax cuts; maybe Lib Dem influence will water these down or get them dropped completely. Maybe.

But what is more important is that the conservatives have adopted some of the Lib Dem’s best ideas.

Raising the income tax threshold to £10k is a great policy, and actually quite a Conversative-type idea. Economically very non interventionist and Laissez-faire.

Some of the constitutional reforms suggested will really benefit Britain, and hopefully if they put their heads together Clegg and Cameron will be able to come up with some reform of the Lords.

My solution of a Lords fully elected via a PR system should keep everyone happy. I don’t know why no-one will listen to me.

If we look at the policies of both parties;

The Lib Dems support;

European integration

Civil liberties

Tax cuts for the poorest

Cutting tax credits for the people who don’t need it

Scrapping nuclear deterrent

Fully elected upper house

Proportional representation

No tuition fees

Strong environmentalism

but

Some on the left of the party think ‘fairness’ & ‘social justice’ is reached by redistribution of wealth - potentially they are a bit left wing economically

Conservatives support;

No further integration with Europe

Strong environmentalism

Cutting tax credits for the people who don’t need it

Devolve power from the state towards the people – ‘small’ government

Low taxation and low spending

Individualism

Tough on immigration

Valuing 'family values'

Private enterprise over public sector

but

they are still a bit conservative (small ‘c’) and thus a bit questionable on equality

Now, if we take the best and remove the worst of what both parties have to offer we are left with;

Europhile

Civil liberties

Tax cuts for the poorest

Cutting tax credits for the people who don’t need it

Scrapping nuclear deterrent

Fully elected upper house

Proportional representation

Scrapping tuition fees

Strong environmentalism

but

Some on the left of the party think ‘fairness’ & ‘social justice’ is reached by redistribution of wealth - potentially they are a bit left wing economically

No further integration with Europe

Strong environmentalism

Cutting tax credits for the people who don’t need it

Devolve power from the state towards the people – ‘small’ government

Low taxation and low spending

Individualism

Tough on immigration

Valuing family values

Private enterprise over public sector

but

Still a bit conservative (small ‘c’) and thus a bit questionable on equality

I couldn't think of a more ideal political manifesto for my political sensibilities.

I am optimistic.

A progressive coalition, indeed.

These are my own personal views and not those of the BBC.If any offence is taken to the above I assure you that the offending comments are ironic.