Focus on the job

TWO days on, it becomes no easier to fathom why David Cameron chose to announce that he plans to set off for pastures new after five more years at No 10.

He was giving a straight answer to a hypothetical question from the BBC’s James Landale: ‘If you remain Prime Minister after the next election, would you go for a third term?’

But could Mr Cameron not see that by looking ahead to the next election but one, he appeared to be taking an awful lot for granted? Indeed, everything about his announcement emphasised the characteristics voters like least about the Prime Minister, from his arrogant sense of entitlement to what often seems a lack of full commitment to his job.

It is almost as if, like Tony Blair, he sees No 10 as merely a step on the ladder towards a more enjoyable and lucrative career.

But what is most frustrating is that it not only undermines his authority and opens the way for jockeying between the candidates he named for his job, it also distracts attention – just days after a hugely encouraging Budget – from the Tories’ truly remarkable achievements in turning round the economy.

Mr Cameron ought surely to have replied that he was focusing all his energy and attention on the campaign for victory on May 7, 2015.

For the sake of this country’s future, he should start doing that right now.