Blair's pointer to hung parliament success

Has Tony Blair shown the way forward for a future minority Government? It is always assumed that in a hung Parliament the largest party would either conclude a formal deal with the Liberals or would have to produce a programme that the Liberals would find hard to vote down.

But on three occasions now, Mr Blair has relied on a differently composed majority to sustain his Government - one that unites the centre against the fringes.

Could a minority Government work in a similar way? A cleverly produced Queens Speech could challenge a centrist leader of the Opposition to support the Government or risk being seen as obstructive and opportunist. The Opposition leader might fear the consequences of bringing down the Government on a measure they actually support.

The middle against both ends? It could happen.