A Federal election is upon us tomorrow after what most commentators have called a desultory campaign by the major parties. Lacking in any well-founded vision for the nation's future, both the Government and the Opposition have opted for handing out election 'sweeteners.' That is a kind way of saying bribes to vote.

It may have been impossible in the current climate to create an exciting program within the broad parameters of financial restraint, but no-one has really tried. Unfunded handouts are much easier and only the economists can tell you why that's not a good thing. But no one if swing voter land listens to them.

For obvious reasons, this election might have allowed for some daylight to be shed on the US alliance, which currently has a question mark over it. Sure, Trump is gone in a few years and things might right themselves, or they may not. AUKUS, in my opinion, was a mistake. Politicians seem only look at the prestige of taking delivery of nuclear powered subs. Good as they are, I don't see how they are effective for a regional player like Australia, who might have been better served by a modern fleet of diesel-electrics.

As for tomorrow, the polls favour the Government. But they have been wrong both here and overseas in recent years. Can they be trusted this time? We shall see.