Nick Clegg: There was an illusion about that he had the world in his hands

David Cameron did himself proud on his trip to the USA, although it was perhaps unnecessary and unwise of him to refer to the UK as the "junior partner" in the relationship between the two countries.

Meanwhile, with his senior partner overseas, Nick Clegg strutted his stuff at the Dispatch Box and made a right pig's ear of it. Calling the Iraq war "illegal" and announcing a closure that isn't, was a tad careless. Prior to the election, there was an illusion about that he had the world in his hands, but since then the Clegg X-factor has all but disappeared and it does seem that the man himself has shrunk in stature and relevance.

The Liberal Democrats are doing badly in the polls, whilst David Cameron and the Conservatives are moving onwards and upwards. How long will it be before existing LibDems MPs clamour to escape from the Coalition deal? How long before David Cameron has a meeting with his own pollsters to decide when to cut free of his government partners and strike out alone? Although, it must be said, the Prime Minister does seem to be the one enjoying their honeymoon together, although Nick must have moments of concern. Surely David will wait a couple more years before finding a reason to end the relationship and strike out alone?

The problem for Clegg and his party is that, pre-election, he showed an arrogance and lack of humility which turned off the voters. Although the public couldn't wait to get rid of Gordon Brown, some of the LibDems leader's comments about the then Prime Minister were seen as unnecessarily cruel. Also, there is a little matter of the Liberal Democrats dumping quite a few of their core beliefs for a handshake with power. It seemed a little grasping, even immoral. What will be worrying for Nick and his MPs is that those who voted for them will bear a grudge at the next General Election.