Liberal Democrat Positioning

I expected the Liberal Democrat ministers in the coalition to position themselves as being in semi-opposition to the more unpopular elements of Coalition policy. To some extent that is the way it has been, with Lib Dem politicians briefing that they are fighting the Tories to be more "progressive." We are also seeing a similar positioning within the Liberal Democrat parliamentary party. Simon Hughes call for amendments strikes me as an attempt to place himself in any future Liberal Democrat Leadership contest as being the pure Lib Dem, as compared to sell out Clegg. Possibly, Charles Kennedy's abstention from supporting the coalition deal was done with a similar intention. If so, it will make Nick Clegg's position exceptionally difficult. I would be surprised to see this coalition reach the end of a full Parliament.