SIR,
As the Parliamentary candidate for the Liberal Democrats at the last election, I felt it important to explain why I support a coalition with the Conservatives to form the next government.
I made it clear at all the hustings events that the Liberal Democrats were not an alternative Labour Party, that we would look at which party could govern and which party could adopt our priorities.
It is my view that there were four commitments that I stood on; a fairer tax system, an investment in education, a fairer political system and an investment in the green economy.
It is my view that the coalition will be comitted to these priorities.
I also believe that a balanced parliament requires a mature discussion amongst politicians.
I believe that Nick Clegg and David Cameron have worked to get the best deal for thier respective parties' priorities, but have maintained compromise to ensure the interests of this country are upheld.
The next parliamentary term will be difficult as our new government seeks to address the mess inherited from the Labour government, but I believe the partnership approach offers our country the best hope.
I hope those who voted for me at the last election agree with me that the strong showing of the Liberal Democrats in Monmouthshire, increasing the vote from 5,000 to 9,000, and nationally, where there was an increase in the popular vote by one per cent, has enabled a balanced parliament committed to dealing with real economic problems, but also a sense of significant change.
Martin Blakebrough
(Chepstow)