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Lib Dem MPs, Bob Russell (Colchester) and Norman Lamb MP (North Norfolk)

They are absolutely delighted to be in power. And, in truth, why wouldn't they be? It's been long enough - with the exception of the wartime coalition, 88 years, and that's a long time.

Us journalists were expecting, some might say hoping, for a somewhat rocky ride for the leadership this week.

And yes there is a motion against the plans for free schools on Monday. It's been tabled by Cambridgeshire Councillor, Peter Downes, a former head of Hinchingbrooke school. It's caused a the biggest stir so far, the coalition plans called "divisive" in a fringe meeting on Sunday night.

You feel this is one policy that is really sticking in Lib Dems craws and there is passion over its opposition.

But in the main, the Liberal Democrats are thoroughly enjoying government.

When you speak to them individually there's a huge range of opinion. Simon Wright, the new MP for Norwich South, admitted: "No I'm not in favour of nuclear power. It's a very expensive way of generating energy, especially when you take decommissioning into account. It may be carbon neutral once it's set up but creating the material, transporting it and disposing of it are not."

Oddly, being out of sync with the party line seems to be de rigueur this conference. Dissent is merely "an expression of the soul of the party", as Norman Lamb put it to me.

Mr Russell, the Lib Dem voice of Colchester, says: "Free Schools are a barmy idea".

Mr Lamb may disagree but both claim that they support the coalition and each other's right to their own opinion.

There's only one difficulty with such a broad church - the electorate may not understand what you actually stand for.

For the moment, no one here seems to mind.

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