Let the sunshine in, but don't overdo it |

Wednesday 7th October 2009 | 15:37

Let the sunshine in, but don't overdo it

David Cameron needs to strike a balance between the austerity of Osborne's speech and finding a more positive tone, linking the one to the other

David Cameron should avoid the dark note struck by George Osborne on Tuesday, but make sure not to overdo the optimisim, according to the Phi100 panel.

83% of the panel – made up of parliamentarians, think tank leaders, political journalists and other Westminster insiders – believe Cameron has to be careful to strike the right balance, after Osborne’s performance was widely described as an ‘age of austerity’ speech. Just 9% believe the 'tell it to them straight' tone should be continued by Cameron.

On the other hand, only 6% believe Cameron should mainly focus on the positive things that would come from a Conservative government.

The panel felt that the two elements need to be linked: IF we get through the difficult times, the country will be better for it.

'Give reason to hope'

‘Cameron must give people some reason to hope’, said one non-aligned media commentator.

An impartial think tank leader said the anticipated balanced approach ‘perhaps indicates that they've yet to make up their mind in terms of the wider strategy for the election’.

Another non-aligned think tank leader suggested a mixed approach would not be enough. ‘He wants to do both - of course - but he has to decide on a top line’.

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