Ever the contrarians it looks like Daily Mail writers and editorial staff are having an outbreak of namby-pamby liberalism. It’s as disconcerting as suddenly finding out that the Earth is flat or Kasabian are musically interesting. If there is one paper that should be expected to be in favour of compulsory sterilisation of paupers and restricting the amount of time civil servants spend in the toilet it is the Daily Mail.

Instead it’s carrying an article ridiculing some of the proposals which have been appearing on the Con Dem’s Spending Challenge site. This is a web destination which looks certain to be a rich source of material to anyone looking for proof that opinions expressed online should not always be taken too literally. Though there are flashes of genius there like this proposal to “make Clegg and Cameron work in McDeath the burger chain”.

Judging from the tone of the article the Mail is not even that impressed by proposals to bring back workhouses. Who would have predicted that?

The paper also takes a pop at the Your Freedom website. That’s the one which asks visitors which laws they want to see repealed. The Mail wants the ban on marrying horses to remain in force which is just the sort of narrow minded reactionary thinking it’s more typically associated with.

Fortunately the comments section reminds us that while the hot weather may have brought on some head staggers with the staff the readers aren’t for turning.

“Single mothers who are only interested in a life on benefits should not be allowed access to free housing. Instead they should be placed in hostel type accommodation as it would not be much of an incentive to having another baby.”

Ahh, the authentic voice of Middle England. She knows where she stands on compulsory sterilisation.