Opposition leader Lawrence Springborg has suffered an early blow in his third bid to become Premier.
 
Former LNP rising star Stuart Copeland has announced he'll stand as an Independent. Mr Springborg couldn't find a new seat for Mr Copeland after his was abolished in the recent redistribution.
 
He'll now go toe-to-toe with former colleague Ray Hopper.
 
While it's not a massive blow for the LNP it will take the focus away from their set piece announcement today and is the last thing he needs.
 
The Premier hit the ground..umm walking in Townsville this morning.
 
Strolling along the Strand she greeted fellow early morning fitness fanatics but no-one stopped for a chat which is a marked departure from the Beattie style.. The former premier would happily bail up anyone in an effort to get good pictures on the evening news bulletins.
 
At this early stage in the campaign you could be forgiven for thinking both leaders are setting out to bore us all into submission.
 
A budgie assault on Mr Springborg the only bright spot so far.