The Cameron-Clegg coalition is enjoying significant support from the public, but few are expecting it to actually resolve the country’s major issues. 57% of the public think David Cameron is either doing fairly well or very well, compared to only 15% who feel he is doing badly (28% say they do not know). Clegg enjoys similar support: 61% think he is doing well to some degree, next to 17% who felt he is doing badly, with 22% not knowing. Indeed, opinion for the two parties’ coalition is just as strong – 63% think they are working well together compared to only 16% who have a poor opinion of the coalition cooperation.
However, expectations are very low as to whether the coalition will resolve the multifarious issues it faces. As Chancellor George Osborne prepares to announce the Government’s budget cut proposals, only 38% think the Government will hit its targets for reducing the budget deficit in the next few years. Almost the same proportion it will fail (36%).
Expectations with respect to the protection of front-line public services, such as health and education, are even lower. A mere 33% think the coalition will succeed in its attempt to protect these services, compared to 42% who think it will fail.
Speculation over the next five years is little more optimistic with respect to creating a fairer society – one of the parties’ key pledges. 43% believe the coalition will fail in its attempt to make Britain a fairer society, while less than a third (32%) think it will succeed.
It seems that despite the parties having enjoyed early support, the public are still shrouded in low expectations for the term ahead.
