Spare a thought for Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats. Their conference, one of the best chances for them to get some proper coverage, is being over-shadowed by the banking crisis and the Labour leadership plotting. This is a pity as the Lib Dems seem to be trying to reposition themselves on the political spectrum.
First, they have committed to cutting taxes and public spending. This is going to change the tone of the debate about this subject in a way that favours proponents of a smaller state. Second, they have de-emphasised their pro-Europeanism —an indication, as Andrew Neil notes, that they really are worried about losing their seats in the south-west to the Tories.
But the Lib Dems do appear to be genuinely moving towards a harder-edged liberalism. Vince Cable’s plan to make those in the public sector who are earning six figure salaries reapply for their jobs is an excellent idea and one—as
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