IS THERE a General Election soon?

There are a few telltale signs: sex scandals, defections, party conferences crammed full of intrigue.

With the Labour and UKIP conferences behind us and with the two coalition parties still to go, the election may seem an age away.

Yet in a few months we may have a new government.

The weekend also saw the official launch of Southampton’s Labour Party candidates in their bid to hold the city’s seats for their party.

Other parties will follow hard on their heels.

Whether they see this as an exciting countdown to the poll or a mountain to climb as political hopefuls bombard us with their opinions on just about everything we can only speculate.

Yet this is democracy and we should be content if not excited that we enjoy this form of government.

Yes it is full of flaws. Yes it is seldom inspiring and often frustrating. Yes fixed Parliaments mean we are saddled with ever longer countdowns to election dates.

But the alternative is always the worst option.