'It's not an election'

Voting is well underway in Zimbabwe.

"I think we should not get into the mind-set of covering this as if it is an election; it is not an election - we know that."

Nevertheless, we'll be assessing how many people are turning out to vote - it appears to be lower than last time - and we're hopeful of getting hold of some ballot papers which, rather handily, have been pre-marked...

"In terms of a second piece, aside from the on-the-day stuff, there is the option of looking at how long Mugabe has got.

"It is widely regarded that this is the beginning, or the continuation, of the end for him. We can look at the runners and riders to eventually take over."

The verdict in the McCartney trial is expected today.

Mr McCartney, 33, was beaten and stabbed to death outside a bar on 30 January 2005 in Northern Ireland. Brendan Devine, a close friend of Mr McCartney, was also stabbed.

Three men have been in court in connection with the murder.

Hillary Clinton's plans for the future will also be unveiled today.

"We will find out exactly what role she is going to play for the Democrats - they are even announcing it in a place called Unity.

"The fact that announcement is being made in New Hampshire is significant too, as that's where Clinton and Obama had a dead heat in the polls."

Nelson Mandela will give a speech today; we'll keep an eye on it to see if he says anything about Zimbabwe.

The Tories have held the parliamentary seat in Henley - Labour finished fifth. It is hardly a shock result.

"Isn't that the best Labour have ever done in Henley? It's not really got anything to do with Brown has it? They never win there."

On the by-election theme, we are in Hull to see David Davis launch his campaign, after quitting his seat to fight on the anti-42 days ticket.

In the absence of a Lib Dem candidate - the party polled 17,000 votes last time - it seems Davis is sure to win.

"That's another forgone conclusion, and a complete circus. Good fun.

"We need to read out of the names of the bonkers candidates who are running in it too, as it's a bit of a farce."

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