My 2000 S-Type V6 has developed a starting problem - and it started on Christmas Day, happy christmas me!

When you turn the ignition key to position 1, everything powers up, dashboard, lights, air con etc, when you move to position 2, you can hear a click (the starter?) and then nothing happens. The weird part is, after 3 or 4 attempts, it will start as though nothing was wrong - its a strong start as well, no spluttering or limp sounding engine noises, it just roars into life.

The car has no other faults, i had it code-read a few weeks ago and the only code it threw was an ABS sensor which was promptly replaced (mixed bag really as while it was on the ramp they noticed it needed a new link arm as well so an expensive week all in all).

I have been reading around the forums and there seems to be several possibilities, my dad thinks its the starter motor but I thought i would ask your advice as well....

 

Could be an ignition switch problem I think. I think JTIS and the stickies have a no-start troubleshoot.