This really is the start of the general election campaign – and a unique one at that.

When before has a campaign specifically started several months before a general election? When before has a party started publishing its manifesto so early and a chapter at a time? And when before have people been able to ask questions on the draft manifesto to the party leader?

The Conservative Party’s launch of their draft election manifesto today, with the first chapter “Our reform plan for the NHS” has set everything in motion. Labour are trying to detract attention by talking ineffectively about education and claiming that the Tories have a £34bn so-called “credbility gap“.

The Guardian, of course, has decided that Labour has drawn “first blood” because Cameron had to clarify his stance on recognising marriage in the tax system. Hardly the deepest cut, and nothing more than adding a slight tarnish and a scratch or two. The Telegraph, also as usual, pushes the opinion that it is Labour who have failed on this day. Rather more effectively, I might add – considering the damage the “dodgy dossier” phrase and the different messages all Labour’s big beasts are putting out does.

One thing is clear: we are experiencing a unique general election campaign. Who knows how things will turn out in a few months time?