NICK Clegg might be the junior partner in the Lib-Con Coalition but he is, according to the world's most powerful man, the prettiest.

During this week's G8 summit in Northern Ireland, Barack Obama is reputed to have described the Deputy Prime Minister as "the better-looking half of the Coalition".

Mr Clegg, during his weekly radio slot yesterday, sought to brush aside the presidential remark, noting: "These things happen; it was just a passing comment."

But presenter Nick Ferrari mocked the Lib Dem leader for – allegedly – blushing when the matter was raised.

Recovering his poise, Mr Clegg said: "Any observer looking at the three of us would conclude that the person who looked the coolest was Mr Obama."

But to spare David Cameron any blushes, the DPM added: "I should think he didn't even hear it; it was in quite a scrum as we were going towards lunch."

Meantime in more G8 fall-out, George Osborne laughed off how the US President repeatedly referred to him as "Jeffrey" during the high-powered gathering by the banks of Lough Erne. Mr Obama apparently mixed the Chancellor up with one of his favourite soul singers: Jeffrey Osborne.

In a bizarre twist, the R&B star – whose hits include 1980s' tune On the Wings Of Love – suggested he and his British namesake sing a duet together.

But in a posting on Twitter, the Chancellor joked that his voice was not up to it.

"One unexpected breakthrough from G8 – offer to sing with legend @-JeffreyOsborne. Jeff you wouldn't suggest a duet if you'd heard me."

Despite his humour, it was suggested at the time when Mr Obama kept referring to him as Jeffrey, Mr Osborne was none too pleased.

Mr Obama responded to a summit presentation by the Chancellor by saying: "Thanks for that, Jeffrey."