Bit of a wobble ?
It was to be expected that at some point the Liberals would wobble a little. That moment seems to be now.
I am not referring to the polls – though a couple of the most immediate ones do open up more of a lead for the Tories. I am referring to the immensely confusing mixed-message that we are hearing about who the Liberals will and won’t do business with in a hung parliament.
Watching Nick on Sunday - Nick seemed very clear, very bold, very statesman-like in his position that, in the event that Labour polled the fewest votes of the three main parties, the idea of the Liberals propping up Gordon Brown in the position as PM would be preposterous. Here here. Simple, straightforward – how can any one disagree? And it took the sting out of the “Vote Clegg Get Brown” line.
Yes yes I know…what gives Nick the right to dictate to Labour who their leader is etc etc. But he was not saying that he would not seek to interfere in other parties business. (And as I heard it a good number of senior Labour figures agree with Nick).
As I saw it, Nick was EITHER
(A) in the event of coalition with Labour : angling for the position as PM (and why not – he takes on the roll – giving Labour time to have an election get a new leader in etc?) or he was
(B) edging slowly but surely toward a coalition with the Tories.
(C) Dismissing the vote Clegg get Brown line (or a combination of the above)
Why ever he said it, he said it – outloud.
Then came the briefing from one of Nick’s ”advisors” attempting to “clarify” the situation.
Er oh…. as these things always do, the “clarification” just muddied the waters, sending journalists into mini-hysteria on the possibility of a disagreement within the Liberal High Command.
Has there been a falling out? Did one of the lefties in Liberal Shadow Cabinet throw a wobbly? Did Mandy throw a wobbly? Did Nick not mean to say that? Is Clegg deliberately taking the agenda in his own party up a notch? Come on someone must now why an advisor was told to go forth and clarify !!!
Sometimes you just can’t UNSAY what’s been said
And like your handy SATNAV you have to plot a new route from where you are – not try to retrace your steps to where you were on Saturday, and start over. Those advising Nick would do well to take that on board the next time they feel the need to “clarify” what he says.
So the last 24 hours has seen journalists hungry to find the split, prise it apart, get at what the problem is. Nick managed the questions well today - but this was damage limitation at best.
Nick needs to get a grip – take charge – let his words stand – and please oh please – don’t let advisors explain to journos “What Nick was actually saying was this…”.
Nick was perfectly clear on Sunday. The confusion is of the Liberals own making. Here’s hoping this is a little wobble and no more.
