The year before a general election is not traditionally full of political excitement. The parties may fence with each other at little, but they hold back from full-scale combat. The government of the day tries to finish off its programme and reject charges that it has run out of ideas. Voters pay little attention to any of them. In some ways, 2014 has followed that unmemorable pattern. But in others, it has been a truly remarkable year, marked by several moments and events that will resonate for years to come. It has also revealed significant political trends and shifts that will help decide the result of the election in May 2015.