LIBERAL Democrats made the right decision to enter a coalition government after the last election, Business Secretary Vince Cable MP told Ealing party members at their annual dinner and auction on Saturday.

The economic situation then facing the country was the worst in more than 100 years, said Mr Vince, and among the most critical among developed countries in the world.

Though the problems, caused by the international banking crisis and government over-spending at home, were not yet over, the UK was now one of the best performing economies, he added.

“In a parliament where no party had an overall majority, the pain of the austerity that was needed to achieve this turn-round would have been far more unequal in its impact if we had not been prepared to play a part,” he said.

“Liberal Democrats remain committed to the objective of a strong economy and a fairer society”, said Mr Cable.

“We can’t protect our services, particularly the NHS, if we aren’t prepared to pay for them.”

Promises of unfunded tax cuts were particularly misleading and potentially damaging to these services.

He praised Ealing LIb Dems for their part in fighting to preserve A&E and other services at local hospitals.

Cllr Jon Ball, prospective Lib-Dem parliamentary candidate for Ealing Central & Acton, also praised the party’s efforts to protect local NHS service.

“But the latest proposals from Ealing’s Labour Council, to close centres caring for those least able to look after themselves, such as the Carlton Road Day Centre, are both unfeeling and short-sighted,” he said.

“It is likely that a greater burden will fall on other parts of our social services as a result.”

The event raised more than £1,500 for Ealing Lib-Dem funds.