So, day 2 and the honeymoon continues. Both the happy couple still gaze lovingly into each others eyes, and pledge loyalty in order to do the job they feel they have been appointed to do (self appointed, no one saw any box on the ballot form for the ConDem party). Early days, and neither of the newlyweds has discovered the other's bad habits yet (although Miss Nick must know about Master Dave's brutal put downs after the election campaign). And all the attendants at the marriage are putting on a great show of mutual adoration, leaving 10 Downing Street in carefully choreographed pairs, smiling and joking as if, deep in their souls, they didn't loath and detest each other to the core.
More details emerge of the future direction of the country. No ID cards - which is welcome but may well come back to bite each time there is a terrorist incident where id cards could have had a deterrent effect. No third runway at Heathrow - we may need to wait and see on this one, depending on how BAA can mobilise industry and the CBI to change the decision.
The first action of Michael Gove, new Education Secretary (who looks like he's just nipped out of the Sixth form common room himself), is to rebrand the Department of Children, Schools and Families back to simple Education. I suspect that may be his least damaging action (although some degree of cost -I thought we were in a financial crisis?)....the tory policy, unfettered by Libdem objection, to allow the creation of 'free' schools (for 'free' read the better off deserting local authority schools to look after their own while the less well off are left to stew - is that your 'Big Society' Dave?). Even worse, the possibility of even more divisive, selective, isolationist religious schools.
Ministerial appointments continue. The Department of Fisheries, Rural Affairs and Agriculture has been delighted to welcome the new minister, Caroline Spelman. Is this the same Caroline Spelman who had to repay over £9000 in expenses claimed for a nanny? Just asking....
It seems that the coalition is determined to stay in power, even by bending the constitution to ensure that it does (Nick and Dave - is this the new cleaner politics then?). The idea seems to be that in order to bring this government to a close before the envisaged five year term, it will need 55% of the votes in the Commons. Correct me if I'm wrong, but usually a simple majority is needed to bring down a government. The current regime seem determined to bend the constitution to suit their aims, and it will be interesting to see what view the Lords take on this...
Enough for now, Melanie Phillips is on question time, and I need all my concentration to focus on her particular brand of bigoted, right wing, Daily Mail philosophy.....
No comments:
Post a Comment