By the time of the election or referendum, whichever comes first, the Tories' insistence on a decade-long pausefor reflection may have come to look more evasive than bold.
Just a few years ago, the twin blocs of countries in favour of and opposed to whaling slung verbal darts at each other all week long with barely apausefor breath.
Asked if there were any Republicans he looked to for advice and direction on major policy debates, Wells took alongpause before mentioning New Hampshire GOP Sen.
More comfortable then but not quite settled, the first question was greeted by alongpause and then a moment of mild panic for the production crew as she shut her eyes and put her head in her hands.