A Chinese journalist caused controversy at a recent press conference when he asked Gordon Brown: "When you think you will have an erection?"
After the laughter had stopped, Mr Brown replied carefully.
"That will happen when the time is ready. It cannot come too soon. We need to make it hard for the Tories to seize it. And I can assure you that when it gets out, it will be a big one.
"The whole country will be watching and waiting for the outcome. But before the outcome there must be mass debates, to wrestle the issues and grasp the nettle firmly by the root.
"Then I can assure you, we will all have a satisfied smile on our faces."
