A SNAP election can be an ideal opportunity to seize upon public opinion or a disaster if that opinion turns on its head.

Gordon Brown's short tenure as Prime Minister has been quite impressive in its low key, nononsense style. Some political commentators and the opposition parties talk about "the honeymoon" period, but there has been little that can be said to be easy in politics. Dealing with the day-to-day threat of terrorists, keeping a balanced relationship with President George W Bush and having to deal with the European Constitution against a debate within the Labour Party as well as outside. Then, of course, there is the violence on our streets.

Politics is about partnership, or should be. It is about building trust with the electorate. Indeed, for politicians as astute as Gordon Brown it is developing consensus.

Gordon Brown has considered the priorities, which are surely the priorities for the nation. We want to be healthy and to depend upon a National Health Service that can respond effectively. In our communities we want to feel safe and secure, against a growing tide of violent crime and for future generations the importance of education in developing children's potential and providing real opportunities for work.

But in delivering his manifesto to the electorate, Gordon Brown will analyse the mood and temperature for an election. Catching his opponents on the back foot is one thing but ensuring that the electorate is enthusiastic and energised about voting only a matter of weeks before Christmas is something he has to gauge.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe.