
Today marks 500 days since the CON/DEM coalition came to power.
And as these comparison pictures show - for Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg - the 500 days has taken its toll.
With bags weighing heavily under his eyes and ever deepening furrows across his brow Nick Clegg looks like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders.
The advancement of the worry lines appear to have deepened on the brow of the deputy PM in the space of just a year.
The picture on the left showing few lines was taken in the days before the 2010 General Election.
The furrowed-browed Clegg image was taken in Liverpool even before this year's trying Lib/Dem Conference.
And a leading psychologist has revealed that the pressures facing high-profile politicians can affect their health and appearance.
Professor Carey Cooper who lectures at Lancaster University said: "We get this among the people with the tough jobs facing the most pressure.
"Research has shown that if you work consistently long hours then it is bad for your health.
"It happened Tony Blair. We began to see a noticible change over a relatively short space of time.
"It affects all politicians to some extent because of the pressure of the role which is usually 24/7.
"I am not surprised given the current levels of strain upon this Government that some politicians may be feeling the stress."
The latest close-ups of the Lib/Dem party leader compared to pictures taken a year ago show how the lines on his forhead have become deeper and far more visible.
His eyes too also appeare to be showing signs of sagging with darkened patches underneath.
Prof Cooper says that the current Government is under more pressure than ever because of current strains both at home and abroad.
He said it was not "surprising" that some politicians may be feeling the burden.
He added: "This particular Government is under a considerable amount of strain what with riots at home, an economy in crisis and wars abroad.
"It not surprising that some politicians will be feeling the stress. You have to take into account that they are juggling extremely demanding careers with family life.
"To some extent politicians are more resiliant to the stress because it is self selecting - they have chosen to take on the demands of the role.
"But the research and past cases have proven that when the stress reaches certain levels it will take its toll on health and wellbeing."
ends
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