NOW the electoral dust has begun to settle it is back to business for big decision-making.

One seismic issue the Prime Minister put off last parliament was airport capacity.

But now emboldened by victory and even before the Airports Commission consultation has concluded, sources claim Mr Cameron has given his clearest steer yet on where his preference lies.

The supposed underdog in the battle of the runways, Gatwick has long been the politically expedient choice.

Its expansion involves less noise pollution, fewer demolitions and would be privately-funded.

Yet it is far from cut and dried, with many obstacles to overcome if Gatwick is to become the preferred option.

The train line is a benefit as well as a hindrance, the route highly susceptible to paralysis and in desperate need of a systemic overhaul if a second runway is to become a serious prospect.

Likewise local road networks and national routes must be bolstered to cope with the extra traffic. Expansion absolutely must give renewed impetus to tackle serious housing shortages once and for all, with some estimates suggesting 40,000 new homes could be required to cope with the influx of workers.

Gatwick’s owners have promised big economic benefits for the region, but they must be prepared to invest well beyond token sweeteners.

The benefits of expansion, if done in the right way, could be immense.