After announcing the election early in the morning three Sundays ago when most of the country . . . including the politicians . . .

were asleep, it has seemed that Fianna Fail, and Bertie Ahern in particular, have been sleepwalking through a major part of this campaign.

Whether Ahern's decision to call the election on that day in such a manner was influenced by the Mahon tribunal investigations and an attempt to keep them at bay until after the election is now irrelevant.

The tribunal adjourned but information about its investigations has poured forth ever since.

For two solid weeks, as a result, Bertie Ahern has had to talk about his bank accounts or lack of them; cash arriving in sterling at his Drumcondra office; highly unorthodox methods of renting, buying and renovating his house; his savings; his safes; and the fact that he and his daughters were beneficiaries of his friend Michael Wall's will. At this stage, he has given as many explanations for these transactions as he is likely to. Voters must take him at his word . . . or not . . . as they see fit.

But the spotlight has not just been on Bertie Ahern. The handling of the Taoiseach's finances has allowed voters to ascertain whether they feel Michael McDowell has the political nous to lead the PDs and return as Tanaiste. Voters will have to decide whether his performance was a sign of the judgement, courage and leadership qualities he claims to possess.

Judgement, courage and leadership ability are all qualities claimed for himself by Enda Kenny. He has no long track record in government so, understandably, he has had to make these claims for himself but he has been running so quickly across the country during his nationwide canvass that it's been hard to get a word out of him.

We got an extended chance to hear him and see him in action, for the first time really, during last Thursday's debate. He survived but will he have persuaded floating voters that he is a leader in command of his brief and capable of sweeping in with the sort of changes his "contract" pledges?

Labour's Pat Rabbitte has cut the waffle and played a blinder, especially over the FFPD plans for co-located private hospitals.

Of all the politicians involved in last week's debates, Rabbitte was a winner in both words and demeanour.

Trevor Sargent and the Greens have won a new audience thanks to their more tightly costed economic agenda and a groundbreaking advertising campaign.

Sinn Fein have consolidated their working class vote on the back of sharing power in the North. Uncosted and far-left they may be but their policies are beginning to provide a socialist vision that appeals to the impoverished and alienated, a vision other left-leaning parties ignore at their peril.

The mood is for change and the closeness of the battle makes the combinations and possibilities unpredictable but also exciting.

There is one change the electorate can make with certainty. Last time out, just 62% exercised their vote. This time, with less apathy and more effort, the electorate could register a re-energised faith in the political system . . . just by voting.