TYPICALLY, I lack a keen interest in politics, but the general election this time around has had me surprisingly gripped, writes Louise McEvoy. To be fair, there are probably few who have failed to have their interest stirred by the significance – and, co

TYPICALLY, I lack a keen interest in politics, but the general election this time around has had me surprisingly gripped, writes Louise McEvoy.

To be fair, there are probably few who have failed to have their interest stirred by the significance - and, considering the last instance was in 1974, the somewhat rarity - of a hung parliament in the UK.

On Tuesday, Conservative leader David Cameron became Prime Minister, and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg was announced as his deputy.

Considering the options, the formation of a Tory-Lib Dem coalition government was the right decision.

If Labour had attempted to cling onto power by forming a coalition with the Lib Dems - putting the two losing main parties in power - it would have undoubtedly caused unrest among voters. It would also have required the support of a series of minor parties to achieve a parliamentary majority.

The other alternative - the formation of a minority government - would have been far less stable than a coalition because it could have been brought down by a simple vote of no confidence.

According to national press, both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats had to agree concessions during frenetic talks since the result of the general election was known.

While there is widespread concern about the formation of a coalition government, it is certainly an effective antidote to arrogance and virtual dictatorship, and I support many of the plans agreed by the two parties.

Blocking Labour's planned hike in National Insurance contributions next April, capping immigration, scrapping ID cards, and tackling big bonus payments to bankers are all hugely positive, as is increasing income tax thresholds for the low paid, and working towards an elected House of Lords.

Making public spending cuts of �6 billion to reduce the national deficit is a necessary evil, and scrapping plans for an inheritance tax cut is something I can live with.