It seems a long time since we last published The Oxford Times. Between last week and this we have had an inconclusive election and seemingly interminable negotiations to produce a coalition government.

The end result is that we have the first Oxfordshire MP to be Prime Minister for almost 250 years — an event we in this county should be proud of.

Having a Prime Minister from Oxfordshire can only be good for us. It will inevitably bring attention our way, and let us hope it can also promote a little tourism and business.

But what of coalition government? Will it bring us the strong and stable leadership that we so badly need at this time?

Without question, here is an opportunity for our politicians to redeem themselves in the eyes of the voting public.

They have got off to a good start. All three of the main party leaders have behaved in a mature and statesmanlike fashion since the stalemate delivered in the early hours of Friday.

Gordon Brown performed his constitutional duty in keeping the business of Government going while negotiations went on. His departure was dignified. In going, he displayed a humanity kept hidden throughout the election period and for much of his time in office.

David Cameron and Nick Clegg have displayed a high degree of political and personal courage in forging a coalition for the national good that has meant big compromises on both sides.

They will face some huge challenges — one suspects some of the biggest from within their own ranks — as they tread a path that has not been walked in modern times.

Perhaps more than any other, this new Government deserves a decent honeymoon period. We do expect it to enjoy a period of goodwill from the public. For the first time in our lifetime, we have a Government that at least in part represents most of those who actually voted.

This will test the politicians more than it does the public. How do they now behave in Prime Minister’s Questions? Nick Clegg will not be asking questions of David Cameron. Indeed, as Deputy Prime Minister, he will on many occasions be answering questions on his behalf.

How do the Liberal Democrats and the Tories behave when there is a by-election? — there is one in a few weeks. For Labour, it may be simpler in opposition. However, it too will have to consider how best to confront the realities of coalition government. It may, after all, be seeking Lib Dem support after a future election.

We hope that this new form of government will put an end to the ‘yah-boo politics’ of recent years.

Every indication is that, while we enjoy lively debate over the issues that affect us, we do want our politicians to work together towards the common good.

Our politicians have fallen in public esteem in recent years.

They have a chance now, in the way they respond to this new situation in the weeks and months ahead, to demonstrate that they have changed and that they can place our democracy on a stronger footing.