package libxml2:i386 2.9.2+dfsg1-3ubuntu0.1 failed to install/upgrade: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration

unable to install any new software

ProblemType: Package
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 15.04
Package: libxml2:i386 2.9.2+dfsg1-3ubuntu0.1
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.19.0-41.46-generic 3.19.8-ckt10
Uname: Linux 3.19.0-41-generic x86_64
ApportVersion: 2.17.2-0ubuntu1.8
Architecture: amd64
Date: Tue Dec 8 11:03:30 2015
DuplicateSignature: package:libxml2:i386:2.9.2+dfsg1-3ubuntu0.1:package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration
ErrorMessage: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration
InstallationDate: Installed on 2015-08-15 (114 days ago)
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 15.04 "Vivid Vervet" - Release amd64 (20150422)
PackageArchitecture: i386
RelatedPackageVersions:
 dpkg 1.17.25ubuntu1.1
 apt 1.0.9.7ubuntu4.2
SourcePackage: libxml2
Title: package libxml2:i386 2.9.2+dfsg1-3ubuntu0.1 failed to install/upgrade: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)