All you need to know about Day Three of the UK's 2005 general election campaign, at-a-glance:
7 APRIL IN A SENTENCE
Gordon Brown talks about taxes, while Charles Kennedy takes on university tuition fees and Michael Howard highlights measures for cleaner hospitals, against the backdrop of continuing controversy over the Tories' replacement for sacked MP Howard Flight.
CAMPAIGN CATCH-UP
Tax plans become a key battleground as the parties trade blows on day three of the election campaign.
The row over the Tories' choice of Nick Herbert to replace sacked MP Howard Flight as their candidate rumbles on, with Labour claiming he shares Mr Flight's views on public spending.
The Labour Party has denied Tony Blair is being "hidden away" after a report that his face would not appear on the cover of the party's manifesto.
Gordon Brown refuses to answer questions on possible tax increases ahead of the publication of Labour's manifesto, which newspaper reports say will rule out income tax rises but leave open the option of higher National Insurance.
The Tories want to give matrons the power to close infected wards as part of their £52m plan to tackle "superbug" infections in hospitals.
Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy focuses on his education policies during a visit to Exeter, including promising to scrap university top-up fees and cut class sizes for infants and juniors.
Maria Hutchings, who ambushed Tony Blair about the closure of special schools, has said she may consider standing to be a Conservative MP.
Green Party candidates get on their bikes to highlight concerns the environment is failing to feature high on the general election agenda.
An attempt to change the way postal votes are handled begins, amid claims it could delay May's elections - Lib Dems in Birmingham want the courts to review the issue after vote-rigging in the city.
George Galloway's anti-war Respect coalition says it is not a single issue party and is campaigning for better pensions and against privatisation.
Parliament finishes its last business before the general election, and will be formally dissolved on Monday.
FROM OUR WEBLOG
Glamour comes to the election through the Tory press officer who has a different pair of shoes for each day of the campaign.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
More people die from hospital-acquired infections in Britain today than on Britain's roads
Conservative leader Michael Howard's claim as he unveils measures to ensure cleaner hospitals.
A VIEW FROM AUSTRALIA
Australians' interest in British politics has waned in recent years, but those following elections on the other side of the world might see a more fiercely fought race than many anticipated, according to Melbourne's The Age newspaper.
The paper sees "striking similarities" in the campaign being run by Tony Blair and that of Australian prime minister John Howard in the country's election last year.
Both played leading roles in the coalition that invaded Iraq - with all the political baggage that brought - and both have similar records in power. Where Blair is going for a third term, Howard won his fourth in October last year.
Economic management is Labour's key issue, as it was for Mr Howard last October, the paper says.
The paper points to some crucial differences though - with Britain's place in Europe a key issue, and the war in Iraq a more divisive subject in the UK.
Should Blair emulate coalition partners George W Bush and John Howard in winning a post-war election, the leaders will be able to claim complete vindication for their actions, the paper says.
However, it says the result should not be seen as cut-and-dried.
The strength of the Lib Dems support, particularly among those who opposed the war, and the chance of a higher turnout than 2001's historic low, mean there should be concern for Labour. The paper says the Tories are benefiting from the input of highly-regarded Australian election strategist Lynton Crosby.
"Labour is an overwhelming favourite to win a third term, but this election race could be more interesting than the parliamentary numbers and familiar campaign themes at first suggest", the paper says.
PICK OF THE ANALYSIS
It may only be the third day of the election campaign, but already the natives are getting restless - at least the media natives are.
Nick Assinder
BBC News website political correspondent
There comes a time in every election campaign when the really big question has to be asked - never mind the parties' policies on tax and spending, or health and education, does anyone know who has the best helicopter?
Brian Wheeler
BBC News politics reporter
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