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Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats:Covering the constituencies of Twickenham and Richmond Park |
Vince Cable: 'What we're managing is quite a difficult situation'
August 9, 2010 9:35 AM
• [Aug 09] Decca Aitkenhead* writes: 'IT'S probably no coincidence that the MP the nation fell in love with not so long ago is less like a politician than any I have ever met. For a start, Vince Cable is the first secretary of state I've known to travel in standard class on ministerial business. I find him in wedged into a crowded carriage at King's Cross, looking rather like a university vice-chancellor - cerebral and unworldly, in a slightly crumpled suit, unrecognised and entirely at home in his anonymity. By a happy coincidence, the age of austerity appears to suit the new business secretary's temperament rather well.
. . Cable could be forgiven for worrying. In the worst-case scenario, a year from now his party will have taken the flak for Tory cuts, been abandoned by its supporters in disgust, and lost the campaign for AV. If the coalition fails to deliver electoral reform, I wonder if Cable would feel his party's extraordinary experiment will have been worth it. "I think," he says firmly, "it would still be worth it."
At 67, Cable has waited a very long time to embark on a ministerial career. After such a long wait, it must be strange to stand accused of selling out in return for a taste of power. Would he say he's having more fun now than at any point in his political career?
"No, I wouldn't say that," he smiles. "It's more fun being in opposition. This is more satisfying than most of the other things I've done. But no, if you're looking for fun, it's better to be in opposition."
- Guardian journalist
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