A number of people have written to me in the past few days expressing concerns about a Lib Dem/ Con coalition.

Some of you asked me to communicate on these concerns at the highest levels of the party, which I did. I share your anxieties. Political campaigning for the Lib Dems (often against the Conservatives) over the past decade has cost me personally many tens of thousands of pounds.

Some of you expressed concerns about Nick Clegg having talks with Labour at the same time as the Conservatives. I believe this was the right thing to do, to get the best possible deal for the country. I was part of the same cross-party discussions that took place after the local elections here in Hounslow (2006). All options must be explored in such circumstances.

Stephen Tall sets out the impossible choices before Nick Clegg:

In the end I think Nick went for the least worst option. Today’s press conference fills me with considerable optimism and confidence. Watch it here:

Also read the Coalition Agreement which again contains a huge amount that we can celebrate:

I do hope you will reserve your judgement a while longer and see how this new Government performs. Already, I believe, it is starting to deliver a new politics for this country.