Media makes plans for a snap election

ALTHOUGH I believe the balance of probability is against an October election, the media has to be prepared just in case. The logistics of covering the campaign and results is mind boggling. Correspondents have to be found to cover all 650 parliamentary constituencies throughout the UK from St Ives in the far west to Orkney & Shetland way up north, not forgetting Northern Ireland, remotest Yorkshire and the Fens. Outside broadcasts from key constituencies, including those represented by the party leaders, have to be organised.

The Press Association, ITN and the BBC have most of their correspondents recruited and election night rehearsals for television and radio will have been conducted. It's a major exercise ensuring that democracy is seen to be done.

I've got a campaign plan, differing from last time because there is no true marginal in the EADT's circulation area. Interest will focus on the two Labour-held seats Ipswich and Waveney, Liberal Democrat heartland Colchester, and the new Essex seats of Chelmsford, Braintree, Witham, Clacton and Essex North & Harwich.

Could the Lib Dems snatch Chelmsford? Is there a way back for Labour's Ivan Henderson in Clacton? How about Benedict Gummer triumphing in Ipswich to join his father in the House ofCommons?

If the opinion polls are to believed, an election now would produce no surprises. But of course, the nation does not swing uniformly and even Labour's compelling lead in the polls might not save all their MPs. But as I've said before, there won't be an election next month . . .er, will there?