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PM Faces Challenges Despite Referendum Victory

PM Faces Challenges Despite Referendum Victory

Relief - blessed relief. It is hard to overstate the importance of this result for the Prime Minister.

In recent days David Cameron had been contemplating the possibility of a break-up of the Union, an event that would define his premiership and would scar his place in history.

But even as the champagne corks pop in Downing Street, wise heads will begin to turn to the challenges of the months ahead - and they are momentous.

The referendum process has laid bare the Conservative Party's alienation from Scotland; forced him into a raft of climbdowns and compromises, and embittered the bulk of his MPs who have watched the campaign aghast.

The PM has promised legislation to grant new powers to Scotland.

He knows many of his colleagues want to know why England should not be entitled to similar, parallel powers and will need to respond to their desires.

Reconciliation and fence mending in Scotland after what has been, at times, a fractious campaign is a big priority.

But given the low esteem with which many Scots seem to view the PM it is hard to see how this is a process he can lead.

And all this as Mr Cameron's in-tray in other areas is far from empty.

International threats are multiplying, from Russia to the Islamic State.

And there is the small matter of a General Election to prepare for.

If it all looks daunting from Mr Cameron's point of view, at least he can console himself that his political opponent Ed Miliband is facing very similar challenges.

The referendum has been still more bruising for Labour as core voters have deserted the party and flirted with Alex Salmond in a way that does not inspire confidence in the party's hold over what should be its heartlands.