Here’s a taster:

“One of the things about a coalition is it’s two different parties, with different policies and different thinking. The only way you can deal with things is through discussion based on evidence and it does mean that you have a bit more formality about the processes of government than perhaps existed before.”

When he took over at the Treasury, his predecessor left him a note saying “good luck, carry on cutting with care”. Critics accuse the Liberal Democrats of giving nice cover to nasty Tory cuts. “I don’t think of it in that way,” he says.

“The country is in a very difficult economic situation. We inherited a terrible mess from the Labour Party which we have to clean up. That was one of the things that threw the parties together in a coalition, because it was clear that the country really needed a strong and stable government and that we had a responsibility to try and deliver that. The plans to reduce the deficit are much as our plans as the Conservative plans.”

“The economic recovery is going to be choppy. So this is going to be a very difficult year. But though it is a long road I think we’re on the right road and I think the destination we’re heading towards is the right one and that’s why I don’t think we should deviate from our plan. The worst thing for the economy would be to step back from our plan and lose the benefits of the confidence that we’ve created in Britain’s ability to control its public finances.”

Although the Lib Dems and Conservatives are working closely together in coalition, Danny does not foresee a pact between the two parties at the next General Election:

“I just don’t think that’s going to happen . . . The Liberal Democrats and Conservatives should and will fight the election as independent political parties with our own manifestos.”

Will he campaign against Mr Osborne? “I haven’t thought about that,” he replies. “I expect I’ll be campaigning in the Highlands.”

For the time-pressed, some of the quickfire Q & As at the end of the article:

Optimist or pessimist? Optimist.

Axe or scalpel? Axe. I’ve often chopped wood at home

Helena Bonham Carter or Keira Knightley? I hope they’ll both back the “yes” campaign

Iron Maiden or the Iron Lady? Iron Maiden

Red squirrel or ginger rodent? Red squirrel

Dolphins or dinosaurs? Dolphins. We have them in my constituency

Haggis or hamburgers? Haggis

Kilt Ceilidh or disco? Ceilidh

You can read the full piece in the Times (subscription required).