DUP to take over the LibDem opposition benches?

When the LibDems go into coalition government what will become of Nick Clegg's opposition seat in the House of Commons? Will the Democratic Unionist Party pitch up on this bench? Interesting times. I suspect though that Labour MPs will get in quick to squeeze Paisley Jnr out. Dennis Skinner will be in PDQ to sit there. Could be an unseemly tussle.

Peter Robinson aims high for cosy coalition

The pundits are telling us we are in hung parliament territory. By that they mean they will have fun finding out who is doing deals with who in the election aftermath. One leader has already put his head up to be counted. Peter Robinson, dour cuckold of the Depressing Unionist Party, has said he could be ready for coalition government. I can't see the bulk of the UK taking to Peter as Home Secretary, for instance. Anyway, he's got to get past the new intake of Tory MPs. I would not be keen on a Tory/DUP coalition.

George Galloway is hoping for three seats in order to strike a deal. Who is he going to sidle up to? Surely not Gordon? David Cameron would find George too much even before they got to see the Queen. Where would the Greens fit it in? Caroline Lucas can get quite agitated if too much blue or red gets mixed in with her green. She might find her party has turned a palid pink in the process. It all depends on the numbers, I suppose.

Peter Robinson, though, is better placed to do a deal than most. If his party got, say, ten seats and the Tories got 320, then Robinson's lot could seal the election for Cameron. Many in the Tory Party would go along with that. However, where does that put Sir Reg Empey and his coalition of UUP and Ulster Conservatives? On the grumpy seat?