Today's the Day for Clegg

Coalition governments have become the norm in Ireland. It is always known, regardless of what politicians say prior to an election, which parties are likely to pair off after the votes have been counted. There have been no surprises in recent history.

However, the situation in the UK is quite different. For decades, the political landscape has been dominated by either the Conservatives or Labour - neither party ever being forced to form an official coalition in order to gain an overall majority. The Liberal Democrats on the other hand have always been a minority voice who have existed perpetually in opposition. Now though, they are in the unique position of being able to decide, within reason, which of the established parties forms the next government.

As a result, both the Conservatives and Labour are offering concessions to the Liberal Democrats, but the key issue on the table is electoral reform. Nick Clegg must realise that true electoral reform - the kind that will embolden the political aspirations of his party - would be suicide for the Conservatives. Whether is be alternative voting or proportional representation, the Conservative party would suffer the most in future elections whereas Labour and the Liberal Democrats would benefit dramatically.

Mr Clegg has stated since the beginning of this campaign that he intends to assiduously respect the wish of the British electorate. It could be argued that to do so he must go into government with the Conservatives who secured the most seats in the 2010 election. Alternatively it could be suggested that if he truly wants to respect the will of the people, then he must do everything in his power to ensure that the political system is designed to realise that will.

If the Liberal Democrats side with the Conservatives they will be accused of abandoning some of their core principles but if they opt for Labour, many pundits will criticise them for propping up a party that much of the UK does not wish to see retain power. Either way, they will be lambasted by one side. The question that the Liberal Democrats have to ask themsevles is whether they are willing to suffer for the good of the people that they purport to represent or just suffer for their chance in power.