The bus queue

During the televised leader's debates, David Cameron dismissed Labour claims that his party would slash free travel as "pure and simple

lies".

Now the Prime Minister is being accused of betraying that pledge after it emerged that hundreds of thousands of pensioners could have to wait up to an extra five years before they are eligible.

As with all governments that have been jettisoned in the past, Labour is finding it much easier to tackle problems in opposition, but their mudslingers will need to start coming up with solutions rather than petty point-scoring criticisms if they are to regain the trust of the electorate.

There are two problems with their opposition to the plans. Firstly, Labour was planning to increase the age from 60 to 65 themselves, just over a longer period of time.

And secondly, if Government sources are to be believed, the chance of this policy actually being brought in is slender at best.

The free travel for over-60s was clearly an excellent resource for thousands of people, giving extra freedom to many and benefiting the environment by encouraging fewer people to use their cars.

However, savings have to be made, the funding well ran dry some time ago and if vital front line services are to be protected then it is other areas that must take the hit, painful as that may be.

So if a tough decision is taken and the former government finds it so appalling, it would be interesting to hear their methods of clearing the multi-billion pound deficit they left behind, rather than their cat calls from the opposition benches.