<p><br /> Nick Clegg admits the coalition could suffer a damaging backlash from the public over its efforts to tackle the deficit.<br /> </p><p><br /> But the Deputy Prime Minister insisted the Government had to rise above day-to-day bad headlines in order to secure the long-term future of the country.<br /> </p><p><br /> Mr Clegg issued an effective plea for understanding from the public with just six weeks to go until the results of an unprecedentedly tough Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) are revealed.<br /> </p><p><br /> His comments came as research predicted the north of England would be hardest hit by cuts.<br /> </p><p><br /> Delivering a speech at the Institute for Government in London, Mr Clegg said: "We know that decisions taken for the long-term are, in the short-run, difficult, painful or unpopular - or all three. The need to tackle our inheritance of debt is the most obvious case in point.<br /> </p><p><br /> "I am under no illusions about the significant political risks both parties in the coalition are now taking by facing up to these difficult decisions in government. But I also think people will see, even through these tough times, that the coalition Government is acting in the interests of a better future."<br /> </p><p><br /> Mr Clegg criticised the previous Labour government for succumbing to "short-termism" and chasing headlines, saying he expected much of the coalition's best work to go unheralded.<br /> </p><p><br /> A survey of English regions predicts spending cuts will hit the North and the Midlands worst.<br /> </p><p><br /> The study by Experian predicted Middlesbrough would be the worst-hit town, followed by Mansfield, in Nottinghamshire, and Stoke-on Trent.<br /> </p>
