Manic Street Preachers Blast Nick Clegg and Coalition Government

Manic Street Preachers have spoken out against the UK's new coalition government, with particular ire aimed at Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Speaking to WalesOnline.co.uk, the band lambasted the Liberal Democrat leader, seen by many as abandoning his own party's election manifesto after teaming up with David Cameron's Conservative party to form a government after May's Gneral Election.

"Cameron's a Conservative, so you know where you stand," said singer James Dean Bradfield. "With Clegg it's just the disingenuous snakeyness of him. I believe in compromise, sometimes you've got to sell a tiny grain of your soul, but that's just too much."

Outspoken Manics bassist Nicky Wire joined in the criticism, even comparing Clegg to former Tory leader Margaret Thatcher.

He said, "It was a blessing in some ways, having Thatcher, because it did give you a giant target. Having said that, surely someone must be inspired to say what a c*** Nick Clegg is?"

The deposed Labour Party did not escape the Manics' wrath either. Wire complained, "My problem with New Labour was that it was based on the City. The ultimate irony is that the only nationalised industry we've ended up with in this country is the banks. Under a Labour Government!"

In the meantime, the band are preparing to release new album 'Postcards From A Young Man,' out on Sept. 20.