PADDY Ashdown has come to the aid of his under-fire party leader, urging Liberal Democrats to ignore the "froth" of noises off and concentrate on supporting Nick Clegg in his task of reviving the economy.
The LibDem grandee, pictured, broke cover after colleague and fellow peer, Lord Oakeshott, suggested it was time to ditch the pilot given the slump in the party's fortunes. A poll of 500 activists last week showed 46% wanted Mr Clegg to be replaced before the next General Election.
After the Deputy Prime Minister brushed aside comments from "backseat drivers", Lord Ashdown rallied to his defence and criticised the "personal manoeuvring" of senior figures.
"We will be judged at the next election by one fact and one fact only – whether we have had the mettle to stay the course in delivering effective government for our country at a time of crisis. That is the only thing that matters. All the rest is the froth," said the former LibDem leader.
He emphasised how Mr Clegg had challenged the party to leave its comfort zone and take on the burdens of government.
"Of course, now there are plenty of easier courses on offer. In tough times, there are always petty ambitions to be aired, the kind suggestions of our enemies to be ignored and helpful comments from the sidelines to be endured. The right thing for Liberal Democrats to do now is to continue to do what we have done so well so far – concentrate on the job we set our hands to under Clegg's leadership; nothing else."
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