The Liberal Democrats have sounded defiantly optimistic this week at a conference dominated by their record in coalition with the Conservatives. Despite their poor showing in the polls, it is still possible they will again hold the balance of power after next year’s general election There is a school of thought which holds that organised political campaigning in order to maximise public interest is actually a waste of time and that the public will demonstrate its degree of political concern, enthusiasm and involvement when it wants to do so and without being prompted. How must it feel then to be the Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, at the end of your party conference in Glasgow – after five days of intense political debate and argument, endless fringe meetings, television