Reading a piece in the New Statesman this morning I wasn’t at all surprised at their take on the Prime Minister’s popularity and approval ratings – saying they are dropping because he is no longer seen as decisive – is expected of the publication. The article backed its argument with polls and figures plus fairly stated that despite the ratings Cameron still remains the most popular of the three main leaders.

However, the cleverly written editorial has conveniently missed a huge yet vital factor and its overall effect on the public mood – the cuts. We can not, today, with any degree of honesty talk about any public feelings or reactions in this country without factoring in those cuts – because to do so is to tell half a story. Especially as their effects has just began to filter through in the last couple of months.

U-turns might have been a bad thing in the 1980s – but back then oversized shoulder pads, frizzy hair and ugly shoes were in fashion plus straight men didn’t moisturize and walked around with monobrows – things change. A U – turn today is proof that our politicians are listening and acting on what they hear. Is there some concern that maybe policies aren’t fully thought through before they are announced, maybe – but still listening and acting on what we say is what we ask and expect of our politicians and I am sure the public rather have a leader who listens and acts on their concerns than a know- it- all who doesn’t care one iota what they think or want.

Every time the government U-terns on a policy or a decision, Labour and their media get all indignant – and portray it as indecisiveness and weakness on the government’s part. Meanwhile, as far as the public and those, whose opinion truly matters, are concerned, it’s neither. Because they regard it as their elected representatives are listening to them and acting on their feedback. Add to that a government that is welling to admit it makes mistakes can’t be all that bad!

Judging by leaders’ approval ratings – it seems the public likes and takes comfort in knowing that their government knows it’s not perfect and doesn’t pretend to be and above that is unafraid to admit it. They also like the power it gives them.

Beside listening and bravely admitting their fault this government is also unique in that it’s a collaboration of two very different groups who came together for the national interest. And although at times they might seem very eager to please each other they mostly want to satisfy the electorate, which in itself is novel. However, that novelty did not come out of void or by accident!

Both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have spent a great deal of time in opposition, and closely watched as a young government came into office with an overwhelming unexpected majority, lead by an unseasoned frontbench, who despite the new name continued to use the same old rule book. They learnt from their mistakes to avoid their pitfalls. Hence, what this government is doing is not just innovative but also enlightened.

The question is will it continuo to U-turn on policies after they have been scrutinized in parliament because the public didn’t like the way they look? You bet they will – because it’s one of the Coalition’s strengths and now fast becoming their trademark!