Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is facing a difficult start to the year, following widespread criticism over tuition fees and a political crisis surrounding Vince Cable at the end of 2010.

Speaking to Today presenter James Naughtie, he accepted that 2011 would be "difficult", as budget savings started to make life more difficult for millions in the UK.

But he was also confident that 2011 would see the "beginning of a real turnaround" as coalition policies began to restore confidence to the economy.

On tuition fees, he was adamant that once the reality of the policy became evident, it would be "a pleasant surprise for people".

And, on bank remuneration, he said the executives running the banks which are owned by the state "have to be sensitive" about the public reaction to large bonuses.

Finally, he expressed his belief that the AV referendum "will be won". People would vote, he said, for a system which made MPs work harder for their vote.

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