David Cameron has called for warring Tories and Liberal Democrats to unite behind the coalition, insisting the public do not want to see politicians fall out whilst dealing with the country's problems.
In a letter to The Sunday Times, he said it was essential that differences over Lords reform did not stop them working together in government in the national interest.
The Prime Minister acknowledged there were "profound areas of disagreement" between the two parties, following last week's Conservative revolt over Nick Clegg's plans for House of Lords reform
"These differences matter and at the next election they will help define us. But we're not in an election, now. We're not even close," he said.
Cameron urged parties to unite behind the coalition in the wake of last week's disputes over Lords reform
"People see riots and financial instability across Europe on the television news. They will tolerate tough choices if they see that you stand up for the right things together.
"But they will not tolerate division and navel-gazing. They know that the problems are big and they do not want to see politicians fall out in the process of dealing with them.
"That is why we must rise to the challenge, recognise the extraordinary and challenging nature of the times we live in - and serve the national interest by delivering a strong, decisive and united government."
Mr Cameron did offer an olive branch to Conservatives who feel that he has given too much ground to the Lib Dems - spelling out some of the areas where they will campaign on different policies at the next election.
"On Europe, for instance, we British need a fresh settlement - and a fresh mandate. Work on that can begin now but it is an issue to deal with in the next parliament, under a majority Conservative government," he said.
"I take a profoundly different view from most Liberal Democrats on the European Convention on Human Rights, too. I want to do whatever it takes to keep our country safe, restoring the ability to deport dangerous criminals and terrorists even if it means radical action in this area.
"And as I set out in a speech on welfare the other day, the next Conservative government must do more to end the benefits culture."
Energy Secretary Ed Davey admitted the Tories and Liberal Democrats were parties with different values and histories, but defended the coalition.
Davey supported Cameron's call for a united coalition
In the wake of this week's Conservative rebellion on Lords reform he insisted the plans were not dead.
He told the Sky News Murnaghan programme: "People are forgetting that we had a historic vote in the Commons just recently when a huge majority voted in favour of the principle of a democratically elected House of Lords.
"That has not happened before.
"I also believe it is part of the Coalition Agreement and the Conservative Party will want to honour their agreement and I'm delighted the Prime Minister said he's going to have another go."
Mr Davey attacked the "political games" played by Labour and said the coalition still had work to do to clear up the financial problems left by the last government.
However Harriet Harman has rebuffed such claims, insisting the government should not be blaming Labour for its own internal political wrangling.
Harriet Harman insisted Labour had other concerns about the Bill which needed to be addressed before it could become law - including offering the public a referendum on the plans.
Speaking on the Sky News Murnaghan programme, Labour's deputy leader said: "The people who want to undermine the Bill are Tory backbenchers who are using it to have a go at David Cameron and the coalition.
"We supported the Bill and we have said we will make sure it gets out of the Commons.
"The programme motion, that was a technical procedural thing and we said they had not given enough days for debate.
"There are serious, substantive issues. We do actually agree elections to the House of Lords, and we came forward to support that, but it's the wrangling, that's the problem.
"It's no good the government blaming us."