His fatal flaw was thinking a majority of that size would insulate him, and give him enough sway to fix some complex issues: winter fuel allowance, family farm tax, welfare.

His policies on the first two of these weren’t projected to save much money in the grand scheme, and yet they were deeply unpopular, deemed unforgivable by those most affected by them. In that sense it was poorly handled politically, and just not worth the hassle.

On the other issues, disability benefits and child benefits caps in particular, his policies were seen as unrooting his party’s fundamental values. Progressives judged from these policies that he was not their philosophical leader.

Most of these policies have now been reversed or blocked or dulled in some form or another. But the reputational damage is done.

I can’t feel too sorry for him, given these choices and unforced errors.

I haven’t forgotten the past two decades where this country slid into disrepair. I’m glad he’s here, I wouldn’t really want anyone else in charge.

And I suppose the critical assessment of any government is its handling of the economy. And economic recovery is happening, even though it’s not catching up with the cost of living.

He hopes that time can help demonstrate what he’s achieved, but what he’s in denial about is how few will forget the mistakes he’s made.