Policies on tap

In their drive to sell policies, the Liberal Democrats appear to have turned to the world of advertising for inspiration. Evan Harris, the party's higher education spokesman, told a fringe meeting at this week's conference in Bournemouth that the Lib Dems might not be the cheapest option, in terms of taxation, but at least voters could be assured of the quality of their policies.

And the catchy slogan he jokingly borrowed? The Liberal Democrats are "reassuringly expensive". Those in the know should not confuse Lib Dem policies with the UK's best selling premium lager.