The political coalition from hell

[marmar]

from the Guardian UK:



Vince Cable was forced into an embarrassing apology last night after being secretly recorded saying he could "bring the government down" by walking out of the coalition if he is "pushed too far" in negotiations with Tory ministers.

The Lib Dem business secretary was taped telling undercover reporters posing as constituents that being part of the coalition was "like fighting a war" and that he could use the "nuclear option" by quitting. He also told the Daily Telegraph reporters – pretending to be mothers worried about changes to the benefits system – that he believed David Cameron wanted to reduce or scrap the winter fuel allowance for pensioners.

The gaffe came just three weeks after Cable caused another furore by threatening to abstain in the vote on increasing tuition fees, despite being the minister responsible for universities.

Cable – the highest-ranking Lib Dem member of the coalition after Nick Clegg , the deputy prime minister – said last night that he was "embarrassed" by his remarks but insisted that he had no intention of resigning. Downing Street declined to comment on Cable's remarks last night. ............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/dec/21/vince-cable-could-end-coalition