BOURNEMOUTH (England), Sept 24: Prime Minister Gordon Brown set out his vision for Britain on Monday in his first speech to the Labour Party conference, but kept everyone guessing over whether he could call snap polls.

In a keynote address punctuated by repeated rousing applause, the former chancellor highlighted the challenges of his first three months in office, including failed terror attacks, floods and foot-and-mouth outbreaks.

“Britain has been tested and not found wanting. This is who we are, and there is no weakness in Britain today that cannot be overcome by the strengths of the British people,” he said in the south coast resort of Bournemouth.

In a speech heavily focused on domestic policy, he also praised his predecessor Tony Blair, whose controversial foreign policy eroded support for his government.

In interviews ahead of his

address, Brown said: “What

we are doing this week is not about elections, it is about setting out the policies that are right for this country for the long term.”

“I can make these decisions, there will be a time to do that, but I’m getting on with the job at the moment,” he added.

But in the address itself – punctuated with personal anecdotes – his only reference to the election speculation was a joke – saying that if asked whether he could recommend his job to others he would reply: “Not yet.” Brown does not have to call a general election until 2010, but many insiders believe he will do so earlier to try to secure his own mandate from the British people and capitalise on the weakness of the main opposition Conservatives.—AFP