As has been predicted, opinion writers are persisting in painting the Tories as not ready for government. The leading article in the Times this morning has been the talk of the blogosphere (see here and also here for instance), calling for the Conservatives to “show they deserve power”. I myself am not above doubting David Cameron’s ability to sink the knife in, but I can’t say I find myself agreeing with the main thrust of the article. The key passage is this:
There is no shortage of detail in [the Conservative] proposals. But there is a serious shortage of inspiration holding them together. It is easy to see what the Conservatives are against. Their critique of Mr Brown’s Governmment chimes with the current mood. But what are they for? Some Tory frontbenchers say that the Conservatives promise competent, sensible government. But is that all? Is a pledge not to lose personal data down the back of the sofa at Revenue & Customs or leave classified documents on the train home all we want from government?
Essentially, after attacking the Conservatives for the past two years for presenting ’style without substance’ and a ‘lack of detailed proposals’, the punditry have now decided that detailed proposals on their own are not good enough – Cameron needs to provide a theme to the manifesto, some style to sell his substance. Presenting a concept and an overall approach to the public is deemed to be too wooly and insubstantial. Providing a rounded set of research-backed proposals in a huge variety of areas including healthcare, education, social reform and security is deemed to be lacking in overall direction.
The absurdity of this ‘damned either way’ attitude from the press would be quite shocking if we weren’t all numb to the effects of it already. We see it in the complaints when MPs speak guardedly and the outrage when they speak their mind. We see it in the jeering at those who U-Turn and the indignation at those who stick to their plan against intense opposition. It all begs the question: what exactly can a political party do to satisfy those who sit on the sidelines and jeer?