The firework display expected from Vince Cable at the end of the Liberal Democrat Conference was trailed as being more Red than Yellow. Vince Cable, however, had - perhaps purposefully - only leaked a few words about capitalism which were enough to cause a minor earthquake in the City.
He did say his bits about spivs and greed but he could have been quoting Ted Heath's remarks on the 'Unacceptable face of Capitalism'. So, Vince is not a Thatcherite but nor is David Cameron.
Political gossips will no doubt be examining the entrails left by Cable but he is unlikely to worry the Tories much. He might worry Nick Clegg a lot more.
Vince Cable has that deceptive charm and gentle humour - although pretty sharp at times - which give him a wider appeal outside politics. Most LibDems would prefer him to Clegg any day.
The other person he should worry is the winner of the leadership of the Labour Party. The remarks about Labour crawling to the very rich reminds one of Blair immediately and Vince's astute eye will, no doubt, fall on a Labour leader who will be struggling to find a policy.
So, perhaps we should credit Vince for throwing a few squibs into the political arena.
