EN: Do you think coalition government carries the same authority in the country as a government by a single party which has clearly won the election?
DB: As far as the country is concerned, the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition has the combined figure of 60% popular support. This provides more popular authority than any single party would realistically be able to achieve. More important is the authority gained from two parties working together which I feel matches the public desire for politicians to be less tribal, working together in the national interest as we face severe problems in the economy and society.
I believe that David Cameron has a strong authority which has been in evidence already by being able to press on with electoral and constitutional reform and also marking his first Prime Ministers Questions with a firm commitment to marriage.
