In a speech about making Britain more “family-friendly” Mr Cameron expanded on the idea recently: “We've got to ensure that every family has access to the emotional support and help they need - in the relationship and after separation, should it be necessary.” But what on earth is he going on about? Why is it the state’s job to support people if they split up with their partners? What will the help consist of? Counselling? Assistance with the shopping? A state-sponsored replacement? If the state can help you when your relationship splits up, why doesn’t it go the whole hog and step in beforehand? Or set suitable couples up at a central-government level? It is not in the distracting touchy-feeliness of such sentiments, but the reflex belief in the universal applicability of the state that the Left’s ideological victory is clearest. If people have a problem then the state must have an answer.

Many Conservative party members reject this carping. Most are simply happy that people are looking at them again. But perhaps they should consider more deeply the electorate’s current interest in them. Is it really love? Or are they just on the rebound?

Our armed forces face overstretch and even possible defeat in Afghanistan. Our tax payments to various arms of the state rise, year after year. Our sovereignty is eroded on a daily basis in practical ways by Brussels. And yet we continue with an alarming policy on immigration.

To slip for a moment into the language of Cameronism: if someone is in trouble and you care about them, you shouldn’t pretend that they’re doing just fine. You should try to help them understand where they are going wrong. And turn them around.