Reluctant to start

Hi, thought this problem has gone away, for eight weeks now the car has fired up perfectly, for weeks before that it developed an intermitent starting fault, well the last couple of days its returned. Got in this morning turned key all electrics working etc could hear fuel pump, but no click from starter or solenoid just silence. previousley if you held the key in full position for approx 10 seconds it sometimes caught and fired but this morning nothing, tried for ten minutes then gave up and caught train to work. At midday tried it again nothing for first 5 or 6 attempts then it whirred and next time it reluctently fired up, any ideas what this could be ? is it possibly starter motor, ignition, coil etc any suggestions will be greatfully received before parting with cash to auto electrician (ouch).

regards Frannie ( lady G owner )