I wonder in all the focus on polls today it hasn’t passed some people by that when most people are polled they understand the consequences of their answers, and use the answers to send messages. And I am sure most Labour supporters don’t see any need to take the risk of an election any time soon. People understand when there is a year to go events can come along – the 2001 election was delayed and everyone stood down at the last minute because of foot and mouth – but three years to go is a different thing. In current circumstances tory supporters are going to emphasize their desire for a poll. There is a research project here no doubt, but as every one says, both politicians and pollsters, polls by themselves don’t tell you the best thing to do, they are just one form of evidence. I’m glad the BBC are backing off from their earlier claims that Gordon wasn’t influenced by polls, because he said they were one consideration, which actually makes a change from politicians appearing to suggest they pay them no attention.