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Interesting perspective on the Big Society. I imagine that many people have been surprised by the events since May the 6th and if I could have voted for this coalition arrangement on Election Day I would have done so very happily. My impression is that the public want politicians (such as yourself) to support both parties in the coalition. Cameron and Clegg are seizing a once in a century opportunity to reform the country's finances, politics, benefits culture and future pension provision.

You say that the coalition may be constraining the wilder elements of the Conservative party but I would argue that this has not changed Cameron's policies although it has made it easier for him to implement them. Take, for example, Iain Duncan Smith at the DWP. Many said that his inclusion in the cabinet was a concession to the right of the Tory party. However, much of what he is proposing is more radical (in a progressive way) than anything that New Labour managed (even the Spectator says so). Also, Ken Clarke's views on the failure of prison would simply not have been tolerated under any previous Tory leadership I can remember.

The LibDems are probably better known for their agendas on social and political reform rather than their economic policies even though, at times, their tax and spend plans have been innovative. Therefore, I wonder if the Tories start to feel comfortable on the middle ground of social reform whether the LibDems might struggle to have a distinctive identity. The differences you identify for being a Liberal Democrat rather than a Conservative may appear quite esoteric to the average voter.