Thats interesting. I could not be so magnanimous .
Would you say you support the democratic ideal above your own preferences?
What would you think of a scenario in which a party with less seats than its main rival was supported by another party?
In that case wouldnt the combined votes (seats) represent more than the largest individual placed party and thus have somewhat more integrity? Another worthwhile scenario is when the coalition forms a government based on the further challenge via a vote of confidence. In such a case-and one I quite like-many individual parties can influence policy, although much 'horse trading' may sometimes be unpalatable for some.
In the case of labour/SNP it may be that the gap is ideologically too far based on the one factor of nationalism. However, I would be very surprised if that ultimately stopped labour trying for a deal especially if the lib/dems and part of the Northern Irish vote come on board., which would dilute the SNP position. The same scenario if of course possible but less probable with the tories/UKIP and unionists. It could get complicated under these kinds of scenarios but maybe not necessarily bad. Of course, the SNP, et al., could simply refuse to vote but still support (in absence) the party of their choice.
On another note I think its not necessarily the largest party that is invited to form a government if there is no overall majority. It is initially the in***bent PM.
-- Edited by ian on Wednesday 6th of May 2015 09:38:09 AM
My preference would be for the current Government to remain and finish the job they started. Despite what many may perceive the economic policies that have been pursued are working and Britain is growing which is key to eliminating the deficit and reducing national debt to manageable levels. However, if Labour 'win' the election by getting more seats than the Conservatives then I would expect the Liberals to try to form an acceptable coalition with them. I would be opposed to any left leaning coalition only made possible by alliances with nationalist parties - a UK Government should represent the people of the UK not just one part of it.
Not eligible to vote, but it is all a depressing mess. Would never vote Tory but since Blair the Labour party represents little of what I believe in, only a pale watered down image. UKIP would be a disaster, just a Thatcherite party with a rag tag racist following. I perhaps voted Liberal in the last election but Clegg sold everything he believed for power. I miss my country at times, but other times I am glad to be out of it.