As Australian Prime Minister John Howard pauses to enjoy his country's national day holiday on January 26, he will more than likely be considering whether to try for a fifth consecutive electoral win next year or to call it quits.
After some 10 years in power, pressure is mounting on Mr Howard - Australia's second-longest-serving prime minister - to declare his intentions. Many in his Liberal Party would be happy for the 66-year-old to continue. Voter surveys consistently rank him as the country's preferred leader.
At the same time, his party supporters, and their coalition partners in the National Party, want an orderly and early leadership transition if he does decide against fighting the next election, scheduled for late next year.
Mr Howard has kept his cards close to his chest, saying he will stay as long as he has the party's support. But the reasons for a retirement before the next election would seem to far outweigh those for continuing.
Mr Howard's assumed successor, Treasurer Peter Costello, has repeatedly said he will not mount a challenge, but has more often than not indicated his frustration - particularly after Mr Howard announced in 2003 that he would lead the government into its fourth election in 2004. An announcement or departure this year would give his successor time to establish a track record and rapport with voters.
Any statement of an exit over the next few months would provide something of a fillip to the opposition, but it could also minimise the impact. The Labor Party is wrestling with the bitterness and disorientation created after the resignation of its former leader, Mark Latham, and the very personal criticisms he then levelled at the leadership.