Whatever one thinks about Michael Howard, few people would deny he is a more competent politician than Mr Duncan Smith.
That is, presumably, why those Conservatives locally and nationally, who voiced such loyalty to Mr Duncan Smith right up to the bitter end have been so silent about his departure and the �coronation� of Mr Howard, by-passing the party membership, that everyone is expected to happen tomorrow.
Much of the initial publicity about Mr Howard has also, sadly, focussed on his personality, his family�s Romanian Jewish origins and Ann Widdecombe�s famous remarks that he has �something of the night� about him. I hope that if Mr Howard is crowned by Tory MPs tomorrow we can move on to concentrate on his policies rather than his personality.
Of course, a person�s character matters, particularly someone leading a political party who would like to be Prime Minister. But as long as they are competent and not corrupt their personality should matter far less than the ideas that drive them and the policies they would pursue in power.
There is a popular myth in circulation these days that there is not much difference between the political parties. Little could be further from the truth. If you examine their policies, particularly on public services, they are very far apart indeed. Voters will face a stark choice at the next general election.
That is why I will welcome Mr Howard if he becomes the next Tory leader. If he does a more competent job than Mr Duncan Smith the media will concentrate less on his personality and more on his policies.
That will be good for the standard of our political debate and good for the health of democracy.
