Could Northern Ireland decide the next UK government?
By Neil Connery: ITV News Correspondent
Far from Westminster's ceaseless cacophony, Northern Ireland's tranquil beauty is a welcome antidote.
But appearances can deceive for the fierce election battle in the 18 constituencies across this political landscape could end up deciding the UK's next government.
Hopeful they could be in the driving seat shaping that choice is the Democratic Unionist party. At the Antrim firm which makes the famous Routemaster London red bus their leader Peter Robinson launched their manifesto earlier this week.
The DUP hope to win 10 seats and could end up being election kingmaker given how tight the battle is between Labour and the Conservatives in the race for Downing Street.
The DUP say they could work with either party. They've ruled out joining any formal coalition in the event of a hung parliament but what is the price they're demanding for their support to any potential government? Does it all come down to money? What will they say if the call comes from Labour or the Conservatives in the hours after the results are known?
"Here are 45 issues that we believe we need help with in Northern Ireland and we want to talk with you on those issues. When we see what the two potential governments are prepared to do then we choose which is in the best interests of Northern Ireland," said DUP leader Peter Robinson.
Much has changed in Northern Ireland but when it comes to elections there can still be a sectarian mind-set. In this election the two main Unionist parties have agreed a pact in four seats fielding one candidate.
"We return 18 MPs, at the moment only half of them are pro-union. It's very important at this uncertain time for the future of the UK that as many of the 18 as possible are Unionist," said Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt.
On the other side of the political divide, the nationalist SDLP have attacked Sinn Fein for their long standing refusal to sit at Westminster.
"They go there for champagne, they go there for the receptions, they go there for the Vol-au-vents but they don't go there when it counts. They're not there to negotiate to fight for people," said SDLP leader Dr. Alasdair McDonnell.
But Sinn Fein rejects that, claiming they're more effective than the SDLP.
"What he (Alasdair) needs to say to you is 'here's what elected MPs who took their seats in terms of the SDLP - who made an oath to the Queen - this is what they have achieved' and actually they can't show you anything," says Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly.
The cross-community Alliance party fears for the consequences here if the DUP are kingmakers in this election.
"I think it would be very dangerous if any potential British government lined up solely with one side of the divide in Northern Ireland. We've made progress when we've had bi-partisanship, actually tri-partisanship, from the main Westminster Parties with Northern Ireland in the past," Alliance leader David Ford told me.
When the sun rises across the UK on Friday, May 8, could it be that Northern Ireland decides who'll get the keys to Downing Street?