THE party is over, the decorations are down and finally our councillors have decided to return to their desks.

Some public servants - like hospital and emergency services staff - are lucky to get any time off over the festive season.

The rest of us might get a couple of days break or at the best a couple of weeks.

Even our MSPs were back in Holyrood at the start of last week.

But for reasons best known to themselves, Glasgow's councillors award themselves a full month off.

Today their extended holiday comes to an end and they are gearing up for the year ahead.

Hopefully it will be a busy and productive year for the city as it aims to build on the successes of 2014.

But first, there is the small matter of a general election to look forward to.

And for anyone who is less than a political anorak, it promises to be a long five months until polling day in May.

The election is about deciding which MPs should represent us in Westminister.

But that will not prevent our city councillors getting in on the action.

They generally don't need an excuse to ridicule each other across the council chamber.

But a looming election is the best excuse yet to go for the jugular.

As well as that joy, our elected representatives can also look forward to visits from their party leaders.

And they will get out and about on the streets canvassing for their parties of choice.

Labour are hoping to force David Cameron out of Downing Street.

Our sole Tory councillor is hoping his party can hold the reins of power for another five years.

And the SNP is hoping Alex Salmond could hold the balance of power.

Meanwhile, the public are hoping their councillors don't forget they have a city to run.