The Liberal Democrats never really prepared for government. The vault into power has come at the expense of discipline or compromise. Yet, while one can understand the wishes of the grass roots to let off steam, is it legitimate to view this as providing direction for members of the Cabinet? Are the Liberal Democrats so appalled by power that they wish to disavow any further opportunity?
How are companies in China, India, the United States and elsewhere to respond as they weigh up investment prospects here and learn that the Business Secretary appears to be anti-business? Mr Cable is being self-indulgent. He said yesterday that the Coalition has to work if the economic mess Labour left behind is to be cleared up. He is right. It is time he stopped undermining it.
The Liberal Democrats could have used their conference as a showboat for independence and radicalism; perhaps outflanking the Coalition on some of their disappointments and highlighting their disillusionment with the incipient signs of bureaucratic capture. Instead, we have dogwhistles to interest groups that have already abandoned them.
Perhaps next year, the cuts and Labour hypocrisy will concentrate minds. Then, you can persuade one of your own: Danny Alexander
But Alexander said the coalition was determined to carry out its deficit reduction plans over the course of the parliament, which is due to have a fixed five-year term.
"The Liberal Democrats and the coalition are totally committed to seeing this process through over the next five years," he said.