NEW ELECTION FACTORS

THERE are fortunately some unpredictable elements in the British election which is now off and running. Lacking them we would be in for a boring head-on contest between leading parties that have so far failed to excite the electorate. The first is the possibility that the Liberal Democrats might do well enough to become a player in an otherwise inconclusive result between Conservatives and Labour. Although at almost every election in living memory the Lib Dems have seemed likely to make a breakthrough without ever quite doing so, on this occasion it just might happen. One of the reasons is that Mr Clegg will appear on all three of the TV debates and therefore get a degree of attention which none of his predecessors ever enjoyed.

The TV debates are another new factor this time. Although the 50-odd rules have been written to minimise the possibility of a major mishap for any of the participants there is always the possibility of a misjudgement or serious mistake that could lose five points in the polls overnight. Mr Brown will have to be sure to answer the questions rather than evade them as he too often does at Prime Minister's Questions. Mr Cameron will need to watch his temper and avoid his tendency to rant. Mr Clegg will face the difficulty of rubbishing the other two's policies and personalities while keeping the door open for a coalition later on. It promises to be interesting.