If the assembly election goes ahead in May, as it certainly should, it promises to be one of the most bitterly contested contests in our recent history.
The preliminary sparring between the SDLP and Sinn Féin has been fairly robust, but is starting to look mild in comparison to the exchanges between the Ulster Unionists and the DUP.
Ian Paisley, in a speech at Comber Orange Hall, weighed in with a colourful claim that David Trimble was preparing to support an amnesty for on-the-run IRA members.
The DUP leader specifically suggested that his Ulster Unionist counterpart was in possession of a list of 100 names of gunmen and bombers who would benefit from such a deal.
Mr Trimble responded yesterday (Tuesday) with a point-blank denial, saying there was not a single word of truth in Mr Paisley's suggestion.
He went on to maintain that the DUP was trying to cover up its own internal problems over the selection of candidates.
If allegations of this nature are surfacing more than two months before the scheduled polling day, it can be expected that a level of near hysteria may develop in the final days of the campaign.
It is unrealistic to expect parties to concentrate on their own manifestos and completely ignore the performance of their rivals.
However, it is quite possible that, with momentous events unfolding in relation to Iraq, the electorate will have a low tolerance for wholly negative and largely shallow tactics on the home front.
Each of the main parties has a case to put forward, and should be capable of doing so without resorting to childish jibes at their opponents.
Unfortunately, on the basis of all the available evidence, that is precisely what will pass for political debate over the coming weeks.
