Targeting Brown
Matthew d'Ancona 1:50pmNo room for manoeuvre: that is David Cameron’s mantra in response to Darling’s “resilience and stability” formula. The theme could hardly be simpler: we failed to put aside money for a rainy day (or “mend the roof” while the sun was shining, to use George Osborne’s metaphor). Now, Cameron says, we have no scope to spend wisely or cut taxes significantly. The politics of this Budget is absolutely straightforward. Do the punters look at Brown and Darling and, however grudgingly, see them as the greybeards best placed to steer us through uncertain times? Or are the voters psychologically preparing themselves to give Team Cameron a turn at the wheel?
Now Dave is turning his attention from the helpless Darling and laying all the blame at the PM’s door. The Tories see the Chancellor as a broken man. It’s Brown they’re really after…he got us into this mess, says Cameron, and can’t possibly be the man to get us out of it. A robust performance.
Previous
Comments
Tiberius
March 12th, 2008 2:35pmI thought Cameron's response was excellent, but as Andrew Neil asks, "what would the Tories do?" Since Darling mentioned unfunded Tory tax cuts at least twice, I would urge them to continue keeping counsel on tax and concentrate on harrassing Brown over the Brownies and simple competence.
Chris Forte
March 12th, 2008 2:47pmI thought Dave put in a very good performance despite the childish behaviour of Ed Balls. Fortunately i watched it live as had I relied on Nick Robinson's account on the BBC i'd have been under the impression that Darling had had a great day and Dave hadn't laid a glove on him.