The final results of the first post-electoral test for the coalition have come through. An unedifying result for the Liberal Democrats, confirming their lack of maturity in government. Unwilling to strategise, they hanker after the soft left vote that they have lost. Is it not telling that they also lost their potential right wing to the Conservatives...the tactical unwind is becoming a classic squeeze for the third party. Entry into power has been at the expense of the 'progressive majority' and the chance to remake the national system.
The council elections and referendum did not meet the expectations of the soft left. Expect the next attempt to introduce electoral form via Parliament as the 'progressive majority' decides to refuse the 'regressive electorate' a say. The Tories may come to rue winning the AV referendum, if Lib/Lab decide that they need to bring in a complex system of PR to cement their dominance. This has not had too much success over the long term. It took a decade for the SNP to gain a majority in Scotland within an electoral system designed to preserve Labour's dominance. Complacency and weak leadership overturned that myth.
Yet, the SNP will only obtain a referendum on Scottish dependence. Whether it is dependence on Westminster financial transfers or dependence on the English market, our weaker neighbour in the north will never find its feet without dancing nimbly to London's tune when required. The Irish example should show that an adolescent wish to escape English dominance leads to hubris and strategic miscalculation. One neutral state in the North Atlantic reaches is acceptable; two is a danger. (I bet Salmond argues that he gets the Security seat: as Scotland is the rightful successor nation or some such rubbish!)
