I pulled an all-nighter to stay up and watch the election on Thursday night. I've been enthralled by the proceedings, and how this election is proving to be a momentous one for British politics. I just hope we gain something from the hung situation, and not a Tory government.
The Liberal Democrats have a tough decision to make. They could form a Tory-Liberal coalition, or compromise on pushing some of their policies through while the Tories run the country. But this would be a bold ideological move for the Lib Dems, and one which may not be forgiven by Lib Dem supporters for years to come. I would certainly not vote for them again if they made that move. Can you successfully merge the Left with the Right? Is that sufficient to bring about the ambiguous 'change' Clegg talked about during the campaign? Honest politics?
A Lib-Lab coalition would undoubtedly please the liberal electorate. It would ensure that the Tories couldn't implement their £6 billion public service cuts, and numerous other disagreeable policies. It would also be a more sensible ideological alliance. However, Clegg would appear undemocratic in not allowing the party with the most votes to govern. Could he use the excuse of pushing for electoral reform, and this being the only way to ensure that it would happen? Another irony in this move would be that he has been campaigning for 'change' for the last few months. Siding with Labour wouldn't exactly fulfil that aim unless it could be proven to be progressive for the country.
Will we still 'agree with Nick' after a deal has been signed?
I have a feeling that the Lib Dems won't be able to turn down the opportunity to have an inch of power in government, and will form an alliance of sorts with the Conservatives. Regardless, I am going to be glued to the BBC Election pages for the foreseeable future! History is in the making.
