Well… what can I say?… it’s been an incredible week on the political front and for a change, my party, the Liberal Democrats have been right at the heart of it all.

My local Lib Dem colleagues were naturally disappointed at the results in the New Forest. The local disappointment was reflected elsewhere in Hampshire, particularly with the loss of Lib Dem seats in Romsey and Winchester. However, the pollsters were proved right and no party had sufficient seats to form the next government without doing a deal.

I am surprised as anyone that we have formed a formal coalition government with the conservatives. I can understand that some people will be angry and horrified by this. However, a bit of calm reflection and you realise that – although it will be difficult – it is the only real option open to us.

We have always said that the country needs stable government that will be prepared to tackle the really serious economic situation. To walk away would have been completely unfaithful to what we said we stood for, responsible politicians, prepared to work together in the national interest, making compromises where necessary.

I had thought a deal with Labour was the most likely outcome but they did not have enough MP’s elected to make it work and the fact that Gordon Brown has gone made it all the more impossible.

As Leader of the Liberal Democrats on New Forest District Council, I called the members of my group to find out what they thought. Thankfully, nobody is thinking of resigning and most take the view that there was little choice in the matter, think we have got some really good policy concessions, (including a referendum on fair votes), as the bonus of Cabinet posts.

I can barely believe that the Liberal Democrats are now involved in running the country! It is going to take a while to adjust to the new situation. Time will tell if it all works out. I certainly hope so. Perhaps there is a much greater chance now that the unpopular plans to add fluoride to our tap water will be well and truly dropped.