North parties on election alert

The British Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to announce the date of the general election later today, after visiting Queen Elizabeth to dissolve parliament.

In the North, the political parties are anxiously waiting the announcement.

Most of the parties there had been preparing for a May 3rd election, but that date was abandoned because of the foot and mouth scare.

Many manifestos are ready for the printers, while television election broadcasts are already recorded and party canvassers across the North are ready to take to the doorsteps.

The four-week campaign will decide far more than just the future careers of the candidates.

The entire future of the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement will also rest on the outcome.