Lib Dems are holding coalition back on policies for growth

The coalition is beginning to progress like a man with one leg; priorities that were keystones in the Tory manifesto have been pushed into the shadows.

Unquestionably, the most pressing problem is the economy.

Other issues such as the NHS are overwhelmingly dependent upon that all-embracing constraint.

But Liberal Democrat influence seems to be slowing economic progress in that action to allay concerns about taxation, our excessive commitment to the eurozone, our over-exacting carbon targets and the plethora of politically-correct regulations that shackle the UK. Business is left to wither on the ideological vine of the Liberals; human rights issues, immigration concerns, health reforms and the basic problems of crime are forced to fester in the in-tray.

I recognise that this is a coalition and that it involves a lot of give and take with Cameron having to prop up Clegg, to a fair extent, to prevent the grassroots in the Liberal Democrats from creating mayhem in the party and causing the downfall of the Deputy Prime Minister, for without Clegg the Coalition would surely disintegrate.

I also suspect that on a few controversial issues, such as Europe, the welfare benefit system and even human rights, the Prime Minister may be quite happy to shelter under the umbrella of his partner’s opposition to prevent discord in his own party and disharmony in the country, even though such provocative issues were once pledged in the Tory manifesto – pledges that are anathema to the Lib Dems.

Nevertheless, the lack of movement on various critical issues is putting a brake on economic growth and giving rise to mounting discontent among a large segment of the Tory Right.

The policy alternatives often boil down to an efficiency versus fairness problem and Cameron has to thread his way through a minefield balancing the two to achieve the all-important economic growth while placating his own party and his coalition partners.

It will take an outstanding leader to achieve this.

And with the deficit a constant threat, a successful future for both Cameron and Clegg and the country may largely depend upon George Osborne’s talents to engineer a creative strategy on growth when he presents his Autumn Statement – a strategy that demands close unity and mutual support within the coalition.

Will he get it?