Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has said that the "centrepiece change" in the budget over the basic income tax allowance has been "somewhat lost" in the subsequent media coverage.

Mr Clegg said that he was "not in the slightest bit defensive" about the Lib Dem record, but admitted that that "bumps and scrapes" in the media had made it difficult to get the government side of the story across.

"We're doing good things which I believe will last... which will help the young, the old and people across the country," he said.

When asked about the row over limiting tax relief on philanthropy, Mr Clegg said they would look at the issue with an open mind and look "sympathetically" on how the changes would effect charities.

He said he felt genuinely lucky to be playing a role in pulling the country "back from the brink", but that "painful compromises" have had to be made in the coalition government.

"If you want the Liberal Democrat manifesto in full, vote for Liberal Democrats in larger numbers. It didn't happen," he said.

"I have to deal with the world as it is, not as I'd like it."

Get in touch with Today via email , Twitter or Facebook or text us on 84844.

Get in touch with Today via email , Twitter or Facebook or text us on 84844.