Dangerous Chemistry

Umpteen years ago I studied some social psychology and came across a theory that harmonious personal relationships within an organisation are not necessarily conducive to efficiency. The argument is that actors in such cosy institutions tend give the greatest priority to maintaining the good relationships and the actual purpose of the institution becomes a secondary consideration.

The alleged "chemistry" between David Cameron and Nick Clegg is therefore potentially dangerous, in that the purpose of Liberal Democrats in government can easily become forgotten in a desire to preserve that "special relationship."

I did not attend the conference last Sunday in which party representatives endorsed the coalition, but I understand that sharp reminders were given to our leaders on why we had worked so hard to put them there.

The Liberal Democrat priorities of:

• preserving and defending the human rights and civil liberties of all, including asylum seekers and migrants
  
• working for increased economic and social fairness and the protection of the vulnerable
  
• positive engagement with our partners in the European Union and the United Nations
• protection and conservation of our environment
• reform of our political institutions, starting with proportional representation by single transferable vote in multi-member constituencies
  

must never be allowed to take second place to a cosy relationship with the Tories.