Election 2010: Can MPs shake off their ‘rotten' image?

Pundits are saying this could be the most 'exciting election' in years but are voters bothered?

Vincent Hanna: Now it's time, I think, for a result. Tension is running very high here. Mr. Blackadder assures me that this will be the first honest vote, ever, in a rotten borough. And I think we all hope for a result that reflects the real needs of the constituency. And behind me, yes, I can just see the returning officer moving to the front of the platform.

Blackadder: As the acting returning officer for Dunny-on-the-Wold...

Vincent Hanna: Er, the acting returning officer, Mr. E. Blackadder of course, and we are all very grateful indeed that he stepped in at the last moment, when the previous returning officer accidentally brutally stabbed himself in the stomach while shaving.

Blackadder's dishonest dealings in his bid to get Baldrick elected as MP for Dunny-on- the-Wold, a ‘rotten borough' with one voter, may be extreme but many voters on 6 May will be trying to weigh up which candidate is the least ‘rotten'.

The reputation of MPs has been dragged through the mud over the last few years with the expenses scandal and the Iraq inquiry putting many voters' confidence in their representatives at an all time low.

To be honest, many would probably prefer Blackadder or Baldrick as their MP as at least their dishonesty is out in the open.

Many commentators are calling this election the ‘most exciting one' in years but this is not saying much! The reason is many voters are still undecided about which party to back. The live televised debates may go some way to helping them make up their minds but according to recent polls, the result could be tight.

An ICM survey for the Guardian indicates the Tory lead has dropped to just four points, with the Conservatives on 37%, Labour on 33% and the Lib Dems on 21%.

The mud-slinging has only just begun but it remains to be seen how low the personal digs will go as the parties vie for public support. It is unlikely anyone will emerge clean from the skirmish with fresh scandals threatening to come out of the woodwork at any time.

Advisers and their clients will be following the campaign closely as the economy takes centre stage but they also share the general public's concerns about the NHS, education and jobs.

Keep a close eye on IFAonline for our Election 2010 coverage in the run-up to 6 May.