The irony is, that sometimes a good leader SHOULD do things that are unpleasant or unpopular. Not because its selfish, but for quite the opposite reason.
Populist and short term politics are partly the reason we are in this mess.
Certainly issues over pensions have been going on for decades and have pandered to vote winning populist ideas. Thus just kicking the problem further down the line until it becomes a crisis. And both the Labour Party and the Tories are guilty of this.
Borrowing to solve a problem of having too much debt by arguing it will stimulate things is a dangerous and controversial policy. Can you imagine proposing this as a business to a bank?
Arguments about tax loopholes on the other hand are better, though in part ignore some of the problems this entails and tend to rather simplify the debate. Tax loop holes have to be tackled on an international basis, not just a domestic one for it to be fully effective.
As for putting up taxes. Theres merit to it. But how much extra revenue will it actually bring in, especially since those with most money also have the most mobility. The reaction in France is interesting to watch, with a number of wealthy people moving out. Not to mention I do find it interesting that the french have deemed income tax increases to 75% as 'unconstitutional' - not because the rate is too high, that was deemed fine, but because the french are taxed as households rather than individuals so this was deemed unfair (cough, cough, comparison with child benefit changes in the uk, cough, cough).
And I do think its very easy to forget that very necessary changes to mortgage lending to ensure banks don't collapse that mean that 100% mortgages are pretty much a thing of the past, were always going to take at least 5 - 6 years to even out as it would take at least that long for first time buyers to start getting deposits that big together and that was without drops in house prices wiping out equity further up the housing chain. There was never ever going to be a quick fix solution to our economic problems, just from looking at the root causes of it.
We also, as individuals can not expect to carry on living in the way we have. Our personal debt burden was unsustainable. Like it or not, even people on good incomes haven't been living within their means for years. It does need a change in attitude from the public as well. And of course, that one isn't going to be a popular change to bring about whoever it effects.
In short I don't think that a lot of the population actually have realistic expectations nor do they have a good understanding of the complex nature of economics. Not because they are thick, or selfish, or because they are either labour or tory supporters. But because these concepts are damn complex in the first place and its made worse because you have to be actively interested in them to seek out unbiased views and facts that aren't politically twisted. Most people haven't got that motivation. Most people haven't got the luxury of time to look at things in depth and objectively. Its easier to just jump on the latest bangwagon and blame X, Y and Z.
The general public want politics to be simple. Which suits the parties and the stereotyping. They aren't though. You have to fully understand a problem to solve it. That will never include bashing anyone along party lines.