The commentators                    29-01-15

...on UK politics

If the Lib Dems suffer a huge defeat in May no party leader will want to copy the Nick Clegg model. In fact they’ll do the opposite and pursue differentiation and distinctiveness from coalition allies more often, more aggressively and more quickly. That’s what his own MPs are now doing — taking freelance policy positions all over the country. This coalition has worked because of Mr Clegg but future coalitions may well fail because no one will want to copy the sacrifices he has made.
- Tim Montgomerie, The Times
Regardless of what side of the issue one chooses to come down on, there is plenty of debate about the pros and cons of immigration, Europe, the quality of state education and even environmental policy. That represents progress of sorts. But when it comes to the three huge issues that are the NHS, the size and scope of the state and the insufficient supply of housing, the political classes remain shockingly reluctant to tell us the truth.
- Allister Heath, Daily Telegraph
Andreas Whittam Smith
What Labour needs to promote is a “trickle up” philosophy. Just as a spring pushes water up to the surface where it irrigates valuable crops, so raising the standard of living of the have-nots, by providing better public services in the less favoured parts of the country as well as targeted tax measures, would be good for everyone. Economic growth would rise and a feeling of shared opportunities as well as shared sacrifices would return.
- Andreas Whittam Smith, Independent
In one sense it is easier for the Greens than for more traditional socialists. The Greens are happy with lower growth and think that we will be too, so the problem of maintaining growth while curbing capitalism is not so sharp for them. For those who wish to see the growing fruits of their labour enjoyed by the workers, it is infinitely trickier.
- David Aaronovitch, The Times
Many on the Left have always been in a dangerous muddle about pornography. In the Sixties we were told by enlightened people that censorship was repressive, and that pornography was nothing to be ashamed about, and could even liberate us.
- Stephen Glover, Daily Mail
Rosie in her bra and suspenders on Monday was the support act, sent on to test the audience. We may have to wait for the headliners - but not for long.
The Sun now has the results of its free market research. We can be pretty sure that bare boobs will vanish from page three, but they will do so without the paper appearing to have surrendered to a "spoilsport" campaign.
In the meantime, the Sun has had a bit of fun. And that's what it's best at.
- Gotcha!

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