[danielf]

Originally Posted by Chris

Right now, it sums up why Labour couldn't stitch up a deal with the Lib Dems today, despite the obvious preference for a Lib-Lab deal from many of the Lib Dem rank'n'file.

A large number of Labour MPs in England loathe the Liberal Democrats. And a large number of Labour MPs in Scotland loathe the SNP. And have been saying so, loudly. Not helpful when you would need both in order to form a stable coalition.

It seems to be as I always believed: some sort of accommodation between the Tories and Lib Dems is, and always was, the only game in town. It was always plain that just too many significant Labour figures were set against a deal and only the desperate clique surrounding G. Brown seemed determined to pursue it. Of course, were it not for the frenzied degree of wishful thinking emanating from the BBC, that might have been clearer throughout yesterday's, and this morning's, ongoing political negotiations.

Oh. I agree, and this outcome is definitely the preferred outcome (if only due to the numbers). I'm also hoping that having a coalition will go some way towards reducing the tribal element in British politics. It'll be great to see them work together rather than just slag each other off. If they can manage that, that is....