Don't Underestimate Britain's New Coalition

While Americans might find the sudden Conservative-Liberal Democrat marriage unbelievable, the union makes sense in less-polarized Britain. Clive Irving on why Cameron and Clegg are just what the country needs—and why their partnership will work.

Published May 12 2010 7:17PM EDT

articles/2010/05/12/dont-underestimate-britains-new-coalition/irving-cameron_100282_ffk3u0 — Rupert Hartley, Bloomberg / Getty Images

articles/2010/05/12/dont-underestimate-britains-new-coalition/irving-cameron_100282_fomejf

It’s not surprising that American commentators are finding it difficult to understand the new politics in London. Just think about it: a political culture being able, almost overnight, to construct a new alliance of the reasonable center, free of ideological extremes and ready to face unpalatable reality.

Clive Irving

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Don't Underestimate Britain's New Coalition

While Americans might find the sudden Conservative-Liberal Democrat marriage unbelievable, the union makes sense in less-polarized Britain. Clive Irving on why Cameron and Clegg are just what the country needs—and why their partnership will work.

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Clive Irving