Is the coalition government’s 'big society' all it seems?

The heart of the new government’s vision is the creation of a “big society”, matched by big citizens, with less reliance on the state by empowering individuals and communities. Clearly the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have found this and other common ground among their differences - but with many “far left” or “far right” politicians within their parties, it will be a challenge to keep these MPs engaged and committed to a coalition vision and will test the Cameron/Clegg leadership to the full. David Cameron has a key role here and yet he is a first-time prime minister with only opposition experience. Nick Clegg has also gone from political obscurity to the front line of politics in the five years since he became an MP.