Coalitions and Negotiations

Earlier I posted about coalitions being relatively new things in British politics, however less new in Welsh politics. The question that always punctuates Welsh General Elections is one of who Party X would work with in a coalition.

These questions are never answered - often for good reasons, other times for bad reasons. Firstly, in an ideal world, each party would answer that question openly and honestly. They could openly discuss why they could work with this party but not that party, or indeed be open to any party provided certain criterion were met.

I said an ideal world on purpose, primarily because all the parties use any inkling of this honesty as a stick to beat people with. Labour continually use the 'Plaid won't rule out of working with Tories' line and Plaid have also raised Labour working the Lib Dems (ie the ConDems) as an affront. I sense the Tories and Lib Dems are just trying to show a bit of leg to anybody who will have them this election.

The reality there is no ideal world as long as you have parties fighting each other in elections. I am actually a bit dissapointed we couldn't all be a bit more grown up about things, particularly as what the parties do say is pretty standard negotiation practice which we all partake in. Don't show your cards too early, don't limit your choices as it weakens your hand, never say never etc.

Moving on, I know there is some debate, even within Plaid about how much or how little coalitions should be discussed pre polling day. I can accept the view that talking about them prior to polling day can potentially appear to water down a party's appeal as a stand alone party, but it could also potentially appear to water down credibility if any party maintains massively unrealistic projections.

I suppose things will never change because quite rightly parties need to offer their vision and policies that they would bring if they were handed sole power. It would also at a stroke make their manifestos nothing more than 'to discuss' documents.

It is my view that the 'stop Labour ruling alone' message is pertinent and should be explored by all parties. I will return with my own view on potential coalitions this week.