WHEN a ship is sinking, what do you do?

Nick Clegg may have the answer – step onto a ship that isn’t sinking.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Lib Dem leader has finally admitted George Osborne’s austerity measures are way past their sell-by date as he tries to distance himself from a chancellor who has failed every economic test.

No growth for the whole of 2012, the worst economic performance since 1830, record borrowing and non-existent tax receipts, give the lie to claims that a record number of people are in employment.

The royal baby can’t come quickly enough for the sluggish Tories in the hope the national feelgood factor will lead to a poll bounce.

I suspect the only bounce the Tories will be feeling is when they get the sharp end of the electoral boot come the next General Election.

Stephen Dixon, Redcar.