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Here we are, in the middle of August, and the majority of MPs are away with their buckets and spades.

Their absence is signified by the dearth of political comments in the media, but fear not, they will soon be back, noses to the grindstone, for the next nine months will be critical to their careers.

Parliament reassembles on September 1, and from then on it will be a long election campaign to woo the electorate, who for some time have been increasingly disillusioned with politics.

So it is almost certain that government in particular will be producing sweeteners from out of the hat, and Autumn Statement day, projected for December 3, could be very interesting. Traditionally the Chancellor of the Exchequer concentrates on government expenditure at this time, but it also gives him the opportunity to give an indication of tax changes that he may have in mind. With an election just around the corner, it is a certainty that some headliners will be forthcoming.

George Osborne has a final chance to impress the voter with his Budget speech which could be on March 18, the last real opportunity before May 7, election day.

Of course there will be a multitude of indications from other ministers as to what they have in mind for the next five years.

The opposition will similarly be beavering away, laying before the public in general, and the younger voter in particular, ideas which they will claim will be far better than the present Coalition Government, which they will criticise roundly. This is the way with all politicians, for, in essence, very little changes from one general election to another. Plenty of promises, and lots of argument, all designed to swing votes with a view to gaining power.

Outside of Parliament, pressure groups will be publishing their lists of requirements, seeking tax reductions, increased benefits, larger grants to help business, reductions in red tape, the list goes on.