Party members gathered in Birmingham for their last conference ahead of the General Election.

"People are desperate to see the back of this Labour government. But they don't want the same old Tories. There is an alternative," the party's treasury spokesman said.

"Our job is to make sure that on May 6 they vote Liberal Democrat. I know we can. With your help and work - and your passion and belief - we will."

In an attack on the economic competence of both major parties, Mr Cable warned that the next government will have to deal "every single day" with the consequences of the recession.

"It grates to have the economy held to ransom by currency speculators and the clowns in the rating agencies who missed the Icelandic crash and so badly misjudged the safety of banks. But any Government, of any hue, will have to depend on the markets to finance its deficit.

"We must and will be fiscally responsible.

"Unlike the Tories and their cronies who want to create a financial panic and run on sterling to frighten people into voting for them on May 6.

"Playing fast and loose with the financial stability of this country for political gain - destabilising the markets - is dangerous, irresponsible and wrong."

On Friday the party announced its campaign slogan will be: "Change That Works For You. Building A Fairer Britain".