His Master's Voice

Devotees of 'Seinfeld' will be well aware of the significance of the mantra 'Serenity Now'. It is a phrase to be repeated at moments of high anxiety and stress. In the comedy, the constant suppression of emotion leads inevitably to an eruption of anger and torment.

How are the Tory Grandees feeling now about coalition politics? Is there enough gratification about gaining some degree of power to placate the myriad of compromises. They have been extra-ordinarily disciplined to keeping their fermenting frustration out of the news. Occasionally one breaks free and speaks his mind like Bill Cash (above) on Newsnight last night.

The proposal to neuter the independence of the 1922 Committee by Cameron may be a step too far for the old Guard. The Committee is essentially the Establishment of the party but distinctly separate from the Executive, working as a kind of barometer of the wider party. There is invariably strong mutual respect between its chair and the party leader but Cameron appears to be considering it like Labour's 'awkward squad'. In any event, if Cameron thinks he can do a Blair-style spiking of dissent, he may find a new 2010 Committee being formed.

The Coalition Government's general list of commitments (strangely listed alphabetically) has plenty of pressure points where the 'grey beards' may feel they can hold their collective tongue no more.
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/409088/pfg_coalition.pdf

One example - despite the promise to "strongly defend the UK's national interests in forthcoming EU budget negotiations," little Hague may find no option but agreeing an increase of billions of British quids to Brussels. If that doesn't bring the Eurosceptic wing to a point of apoplexy nothing will.

Come on, chaps. Let it all out.

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Good gag on the News Quiz.

David Cameron welcomed Baroness Warsi into the cabinet. As a single-mother and Moslem, her first duties include cutting her own benefits before having herself deported.