Ministers are anticipating this with a policy of blame dilution: Harriet Harman, the social security minister, was at pains to adopt a bi-partisan tone in her announcement, and the all-party select committee on social security will be given the chance to hold hearings on the draft legislation.

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Yes, this is bi-partisan pork, including some served up by representatives with strong Tea Party bona fides those who have sworn to end out-of-control spending and to unleash captive free market forces.

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"He wants to create a system where party interests don't supersede national interests, " explains Hsiao Bi-khim, the DPP's director of international affairs.

CNN: Deal-Making Time