What should the Opposition be doing?

I don't care much about the Tories, but there's much excitement on the blogs (for instance here and here) about Irwin Stelzer's Telegraph piece castigating Cameron for opposing tax cuts.

Most Oppositions know they will face the Prime Minister in the general election, and therefore what the thrust of the manifesto is likely to be. In this case they know they won't be facing Blair.

Brown is sure to bring in lots of detailed policies. The Tories don't know yet what they will be. Therefore they have to stay general, and not take positions - for instance on tax. Because if they do, it's too easy for Brown to undercut them.

The political columnists may not approve, but that's their tough luck. The Opposition's role now should be to oppose, and keep their policy powder dry. That does mean understanding issues, though.