FT.com presents FT Audit - a definitive guide to the policy agenda of Britain's pre-election period. Key policy areas are examined in turn, measuring the Labour government's performance against its 1997 pledges, setting out the main parties' positions and prospects for a possible second Labour term.

Health Labour pain & difficult delivery	Economy Economic record is a vote winner
Poverty & welfare The work ethic has its benefits	Tax Taxing time with the calculations
Northern Ireland Playing the long game for peace	Defence The battle moves to a new front
Constitutional Reform Blair's unfinished revolution	Culture, Media & Sport Department that creates controversy
Science & Research Funding successes for science	Foreign Policy New era still has to win more friends
Law Irvine puts law reforms in the dock	Deregulation Unravelling a reputation for red tape
Environment Green issues fail to take strong root	Crime The verdict is mixed on crime policy
Transport Far from a transport of delight	Financial Services Capitalising on new City relationship
Education Blunkett bets long on schools	Jobs Downturn would test new deal