The three-horse UK election race

The Labour Party goes in the opposite direction. Their manifesto directly challenged the Tories' idea that the government is the problem, and stated "it is active, reforming government, not absent government, that helps make people powerful". Labour claims that the Conservatives' desire to cut spending will risk a double-dip recession, and while voters have certainly been scarred by Labour's performance during the GFC, the message that things could get even worse under the Tories is likely to do well amongst the (reasonably large) section of the populace who see little genuine difference between Labour and the Conservatives. Labour are not banking on people having faith in their economic management, but rather on people being afraid that the Tories are an even bigger financial risk.

It's clear that the primary issue in this election will remain the economy. The Lib Dems have a good chance at snaring a significant percentage of the disenfranchised here - their claim that neither the Tories nor Labour will manage the economy well is one that will certainly resonate with much of the population, particularly after the expenses scandal. The Lib Dems pride themselves on being honest and frank. They are not shying away from recognising that tough measures will need to be taken to help Britain's economy recover after the financial crisis, and they are vocal in their support for economic reform. The Conservatives, too, plan to make dramatic cuts in spending; but then, that's their usual stance. Labour say they wish to reform both the state and the markets, and will focus on not introducing new major spending projects, rather than cutting.

There are a few major issues that have been largely glossed-over, or at least little-discussed, however. The environment and climate change are two key examples, while the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are two others. The environment has been relegated to the back of the three major parties' manifestos; Britain's wars overseas have been carefully avoided by all.

But, with under three weeks and two more televised debates to go until May 6, there's still time. And as the first few days of the campaign have already shown, there remains much room for change in the intentions of British voters.