7th April 2010

Early morning trains

Commuting can turn a cynic out of the most hardened optimist: getting up well before six, arriving home after eight, bearing the standing crush, delay and filth of the train in between - well, it can make you a little jaded.

So I was especially grateful for the smiles and offers of good luck that I received from commuters at the station this morning, as we stood handing out leaflets there between 0615 and 0730.  And we got more than a few bonus toots from passing vans and cars - including from a couple of postmen.

It is too early to say anything about this election, except that so far it is bearing out what I have felt for a while: that people are still hungry for a vigorous democratic debate, that they are desperate for change, and that they are still carefully making up their mind.  Hostage to fortune: turnout will not be as bad as the doomsayers suggest.

One thing is clear: voters are pleased to see a youthful, vibrant and positive campaign.  And what's more, it is much more fun for those of us doing it.

Here's to the next twenty-nine days!