Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg sent out a message that he holds all the cards at the weekend - warning Gordon Brown that he will not prop Labour up if they come third while admitting he would speak to the Conservatives about forming a minority Government.

Interesting position but has he played his hand too early by making public his plans in a national newspaper?

Labour seem to think he has, casting doubt over whether the Lib Dem party faithful - and voters - would be happy with Clegg climbing into bed with David Cameron.

In a bid to push the issues, Lord Mandelson, Labour's election chief, immediately apparently sent out a member which warned that "voters who flirt with Nick Clegg are likely to end up married to David Cameron".

He's so good with words is Mandy, shame he spent so long out of the spotlight because Labour have needed someone like him badly over the last decade.

I am sure Clegg knows what he is doing though and in his position - top of the popularity stakes in a lot of the post-debate polls with the economy debate to come on Thursday - I think any politician from a party which until recently has been seen as the poor relation would do the same.

Thursday's debate focuses arguably the Lib Dems' strongest subject, the economy.

It has been generally accepted that only Vince Cable, the Lib Dems' financial chief, predicted the economic downturn and its effects on Britain so we should see Clegg come out well prepared.

That said, the other two parties will know just how important any chat about the economy is so will no doubt be putting in over time over the next few days to ensure they don't lose further ground on the man of the moment.

After Thursday's televised debate - have I mentioned how historic these debates are yet? - the talking stops and it is up to us to decide, and as one senior Labour politician said the only opinion poll that counts is the one on May 6.

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