Day when everything comes up smelling of roses...

THE last time they shared a podium, in the final leaders' debate, they were at each other's throats. Not any more; what a difference expediency makes.

Suddenly, they were the best of friends, smiling, optimistic, joking with each other. Nor could the setting have been more appropriate for a love-in – a sun-drenched rose garden at Downing Street.

If the blooms had been out, they would doubtless have presented each other with a buttonhole.

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The night before, they had walked up the political aisle together and looked for all the world like the most harmonious of couples.

It was a strange, slightly unsettling sight for a nation used to a ruthless streak of tribalism in its politics, where courtesy is given through gritted teeth. Yet for all its oddity, it was also undeniably uplifting.

This was government more akin to the everyday lives of those being governed, where consensus and compromise are commonplace and differences must be set aside if the job is to get done.

The nation had voted for a fresh start but this was much more novel than the usual switch of ruling majority between Labour and the Tories. This was the first public act of a new way of doing things.

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The body language of both men said much; they appeared entirely relaxed and affable in each other's company.

There were no awkward moments, not even when a question was asked about disparaging remarks Mr Cameron had made about Mr Clegg. The Lib Dem leader jokingly made to leave, provoking laughter.

It was a telling little incident; both men were at pains to point that past insults had to be forgotten if they were to work together for the national good. Each went out of his way to reach towards the other – and their watching parties. Mr Cameron talked of "Liberal Conservatism", and said Mr Clegg "will be at my side".

Mr Clegg, as he demonstrated in the debates, aces the Tory leader at soundbites; he seemingly can't help being good at them.

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And so we got "clean, open, plural politics" and his best of the afternoon, "This is what new politics looks like".

He was the more emphatic of the two, his gestures more assertive but it was Mr Cameron who came across as the more statesmanlike, entirely appropriately given his status as senior partner.

That the two men have much in common, despite whatever policy differences exist, came across strongly.

Both are bright, self-confident, public school-educated, and about the same age; both have wives with high-powered careers and young children.

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If they are to govern together in harmony, these shared backgrounds and circumstances will likely help to smooth the way.

Perhaps the best thing about this first joint appearance, though, was its air of frankness, the absence of which in so much politics has been frustrating and infuriating for the public. Neither minimised the challenges that lie ahead, neither sought to downplay that there will be frictions, both insisted that their primary concern was the national interest, which outweighed party political rivalries.

Was it a good day for Britain? Only time will tell. But if optimism and an air of determination to get things done count for anything in politics, it appeared the brightest of starts.

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