Cracks widen within the coalition

The week ended with a rather dark shadow looming over the coalition government. This became evident after significant disagreements between David Cameron and Nick Clegg emerged, firstly over Europe, and today over Cameron’s support for marriage. Clegg has continuously been venting his frustration all week, firstly over Cameron’s veto of the EU treaty, and today he has ridiculed the Prime Minster’s support for marriage as a throw back to the fifties.

What worries me, as a first time voter, is the lack of optimism and reassurance from within this coalition government, especially regarding the future. Questions are certainly emerging over whether this is capable of being a fully functional government. Of course with the formation of a coalition, everyone realised the two parties would not always agree, and that compromise would be necessary. However, I fear that the political actions of the PM and deputy PM, may be fuelled by the wrong motivations, with Cameron attempting to satisfy the right wing eurosceptics, and Clegg determined to show the Liberal Democrat faithful he can stand up for his party.

Is there any reason to be optimistic going into 2012?   

Euro crisis remains hazy

The euro crisis came to a major crunch point this week and frankly, as a first time voter, I was left rather confused and concerned at the outcome. The week ended with David Cameron vetoing the proposed changes to the EU’s Lisbon treaty, arguing that they were simply not in the UK’s interest. This treaty would set out tougher budget rules aimed at preventing a repeat of the current eurozone crisis.

What I find unhelpful is the mixed reaction Cameron has received since his veto. His deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, as a liberal democrat, was ‘bitterly disappointed’ by the outcome of the summit, placing much of the blame on the pressure applied by Eurosceptic Conservatives. On the other hand, Boris Johnson championed David Cameron, stating that he had ‘played a blinder’ in Europe.

Most concerning of all, is the possibility of a referendum regarding Britain’s position in the EU, which now seems increasingly likely. With such a complex issue, and continuous converging opinions between leading politicians (including the Prime minister and deputy prime minister), how are we (the public) supposed to come a structured and well thought out decision. It seems to me it’s going to be impossible for the electorate to draw an informed conclusion over such an important issue.