My day started by going to meet Greenpeace for a photocall in the Pavilion Gardens, where we were briskly moved on by the security staff as we were told that we did not have permission to take photos in the premises.

Seems to have been the recurring theme of the morning - more about that in a bit.

I was delighted to be handed "polling cards" showing that 96% of Brighton residents that Greenpeace had spoken to were against nuclear weapons. This was encouraging, as it's in line with what the Green Party has been saying for years. That the Government tries to justify spending £80 billion on these frankly unnecessary weapons is plain wrong.

Next up was a frankly shocking 'visit' to the Jobcentre Plus on Edward Street.

When we arrived, we were told that we were not expected, despite the fact-finding visit having been confirmed for weeks.

After what seemed like a lifetime of umming and ahhing, we were then told that yes, they were in fact expecting us, but that just that morning they had been told that we would not be allowed to tour the facilities. The journalist we were with had his notebook confiscated, and told that he could not write about anything he had seen or heard.

Coupled with the over eager security guard and the lingering air of suspicion, this did not make for a pleasant visit. If this was the experience I received, despite having booked a visit, I dread to think of how Brighton residents must be treated when they are most in need of support and understanding.

I have had a number of residents tell me horror stories of the way they were treated and the administrative nightmare that is making a benefits claim, and my experience this morning did nothing to shake that perception.

I then had to run to open the new Retail Therapy 2 store on Ship Street, which sells locally made products which show that you can sell fair trade, ethical goods and still be commercially viable. They also offer a range of treatments, and I must say that when shown room six, I was sorely tempted to lie down for a massage - I've promised myself I will book myself in soon.

Rather than a massage, it was back to the office for me to compose my thoughts before going on the Radio 4 Election Call.

A long day- and as we're launching our manifesto tomorrow something tells me tomorrow will be longer still!