The general election starts here as parties jostle for pole position

IT’S game on, as they say. The next election starts now.

The pundits will spend days and maybe weeks sifting through the entrails of the local and European elections, but one thing has emerged with total clarity: an alternative government is possible.

It won't be easy to put together there are large issues of personality, policy and leadership to work out. But a new democratic partnership is there to be made. Throughout the euro and local election campaign one message came through more than any other, and it was crystal clear. The people want a change, and they want it badly.