Headline writers may be disappointed, but Tung Chee-hwa's sometimes chaotic press conference last night said much about the man and his vision of the path towards the office of chief executive.
Mr Tung did not quite say yes, and he certainly did not say no; his 'maybe' seemed to echo the inherent caution and wisdom we are led to believe reflects his personality. Such may simply reflect his awareness of the importance of the job and the size of the task. Despite his refusal to commit himself, Mr Tung gave every appearance of a man at ease who is anxious to sew up as many loose ends as possible before taking the final plunge.