David Cameron and Nick Clegg today insisted the British government coalition would survive a referendum on reforming the voting system despite increasingly bitter exchanges
As the campaign entered its final stages, the Liberal Democrat leader renewed his criticism of the No camp for spreading "misinformation" about the Alternative Vote (AV).
Mr Clegg also said the issue was "far more important" than his own personal popularity or even the performance of the government.
For his part, Mr Cameron warned that switching systems would be "expensive" and a "huge mistake".
However, both men stressed that the alliance between the Tories and Lib Dems would survive until 2015 regardless of the outcome of Thursday's vote.
With polls suggesting AV will be resoundingly rejected, Labour leader Ed Miliband has complained that Mr Clegg's involvement has proved a "massive hindrance" to the Yes campaign.
Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr show, Mr Clegg conceded it was proving difficult to persuade people to "move with the times".
But he said it was too early to start a "post-mortem" of the campaign, adding that the royal wedding had been taking much of the public's attention.
"It is sometimes quite challenging to persuade people that we need to change things, move with the times," he said. "A lot of people probably haven't quite focused on it yet. I think there is a lot to play for between now and Thursday."
Challenged on whether his personal standing was harming the chances of a Yes victory, Mr Clegg replied: "It is far more important than any of us. It is far more important than the coalition government."
Despite previously condemning a "right-wing clique" behind the No campaign, the Liberal Democrat leader said he did not want to "personalise" the issue.
But he accused opponents of trying to "sow confusion". "Those who want to argue against change will try to amplify the fears," he added.
Appearing on the same programme, Mr Cameron said the Government would keep working together constructively after the public delivered its verdict.
"We are doing that already," he said. "We had a very successful Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, we will be having another Cabinet meeting this Tuesday. The business of government goes on."
The prime minister insisted AV would be a "huge mistake for the country, so I hope there will be a strong no vote".
He denied suggestions he had broken a deal with Mr Clegg not to take a high-profile role in the No campaign.
PA