IT’S well-known that divorces can get nastier in the final days, as devious lawyers and vindictive spouses pull tricks to get the best deal.

That was certainly the case today, as two once-faithful lovers – the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats - played dirty with their separation just days away.

First out of the blocks was Danny Alexander, for the Lib Dems, who leaked a document appearing to reveal his party vetoed £8bn welfare-slashing plans put forward by the Tories, back in 2012.

They included means-testing child benefit – cutting £1,750 for a two-child middle income family – the very benefit David Cameron has refused to rule out cutting if victorious next week.

A counter-leak from the Tories was less toxic, but still targeted Nick Clegg for once proposing a range of new tax-raising powers for councils – over parking, speeding, waste collection, road pricing….

It is all a far-cry from the days when Messrs Cameron and Clegg gave the appearance of being best buddies, even playing tennis against each other.

Remember when Nick was caught by a microphone joking to Dave that “if we keep doing this we won't find anything to bloody disagree on”? It seems a long, time ago.

Now, Have I Got News For You is a popular comedy quiz, isn’t it – which no-one takes too seriously? Not in UKIP-land, it seems.

The party has not only complained about last week’s edition – when a panelist claimed Nigel Farage had barely been to the Kent constituency he is contesting – but reported the BBC to the police.

UKIP advisor Raheem Kassam said: “If this isn't a breach of Section 106 of the Representation of People Act then we don't know what is.”

I used to live in the Sheffield Hallam seat when it was as likely to elect a Labour MP as join with France – but now some polls show Nick Clegg losing there, to Labour.

Well, the deputy prime minister has put his money where his mouth is, betting radio presenter Nick Ferrari he will survive….but wagering only £50.

Joke of the Day: Comedian – and election candidate - Al Murray, on The Sun newspaper backing the Tories in England, but the SNP in Scotland: “The Sun has got two hats on, hip hip hip hooray!”

Unhelpful Intervention of the Day: Ex-Labour Cabinet minister David Blunkett stating that Ed Miliband is “unable to offer a majority Labour government”….I bet the party is delighted.