I urge Nick Clegg to walk away from both sets of talks.
There is simple no need for any kind of coalition to be formed.

David Cameron (with 307 seats) can then proclaim himself Prime Minister.

The LibDems can (as can everyone else) judge each and every Tory proposal purely on merit, and either support it or oppose it accordingly.

The Labour Party - even with the support of every other MP (barring LibDems) cannot automatically defeat each Tory Bill.

It would be a huge sacrifice from the LibDems (to walk away from a chance to be part of Government) but they will keep their integrity intact and the British public wuld respect them for it (and maybe later reward them?)

That's not a bad idea at all. The bottom line is another General Election will have to be held within, say, 18 months, and probably much sooner, so your suggestion makes good sense for all concerned. Any pact will just guarantee an extraordinarily bitter lection full of internal feuds and recriminations and a muddled public campaign.

This has been suggested as an option since the results were announced. It was mentioned again on the BBC news earlier today. I'm sure it's one of the things being considered as we speak. It would enable the LibDems to avoid any compromise which would weaken their credibility should there be any need for an early election.

Prunella Minge wrote:
That's not a bad idea at all. The bottom line is another General Election will have to be held within, say, 18 months, and probably much sooner, so your suggestion makes good sense for all concerned.

Why (the need for another election) ?

If the Tories produce reasoned and reasonable Bills they will get support (if everyone is "working in the interests of the nation") won't they ?

Unfortunately the LibDems are back with the Tories now ... I expect PM Cameron to be crowned within the hour !

There'll be a need because too many plans will fall foul of the Opposition, and there'll be a lingering problem over the perceived legitimacy of the minority Government and, lastly, the main players will be anxious to improve their position. I wasn't plucking the idea out of the ether. Look at the historical precedents. We're not dealing with some classical assembly of independent souls.

All a bit academic now, Prunella, with an announcement due in 20 minutes (7.05pm) - outside the Cabinet Office.