The elections are over and the way the media has been reporting the result it would be hard to tell who won.

The Liberal Democrats got a few more extra seats in the Commons and appeared to be satisfied. The Tories claimed a victory as the percentage of the electorate that voted for them was high, though it was not reflected in the number of seats gained.

Labour lost 100 seats but was still the winner with an overall majority of more than 60 seats, a luxury which, in the past, would have been considered substantial and secure.

I saw the election like a heavyweight boxing contest, where the challenger in the 'blue' corner, Michael Howard, was taking on the reigning champ, Tony Blair, in the 'red' corner.

Charles Kennedy, a would-be fighter, had a ringside seat.

Mr Blair was able, though occasionally visibly shaken, to deftly brush aside early blows thrown at him from Mr Howard. His repeated thrusts, in the early rounds, were beginning to lose their bite when out of the blue (excuse the pun), he caught Mr Blair off-guard with a mighty Iraqi punch.

Mr Blair, though floored, was saved by the bell and his stalwart trainer Gordon Brown who spoke encouraging words, giving new life and vigour to Mr Blair, nursing a 'bloody' nose!

Mr Howard had given everything, he was a spent force and by the end of the evening, his seconds had thrown in the towel.

Mr Blair stood triumphant, his broad smile reappeared even though he was badly bruised. He hinted that this was his last fight. Brown stood by and smiled. Vim Rodrigo, Rivermead Road, Rose Hill, Oxford