It's tough at the top.
In all walks of life good leadership is essential. It has founded nations, won wars and created the lifestyles of the world's people.
Today, with the world in turmoil through pandemic, cool, competent leadership is critical for every country's future.
In Britain, Boris Johnson, facing one of the most critical and dangerous periods in the country's history, knows that its future, and his, depends on his decisions, his leadership.
Elected prime minister less than a year ago with a large majority, he had the best opportunity of a national leader for many years to lead his country to a prosperous future. He confirmed his promise to 'get Brexit 'done', to unite the nation and to lead it confidently on a new path.
It could not have gone more awry.
Prime ministers have always faced national and even international problems, many appearing out of the blue, but few have had to deal with a crisis on the scale of coronavirus.
It is becoming increasingly clear that Mr Johnson is not up the task.
It is not just his political opponents who are accusing him of being incompetent and indecisive; an increasing number of his own MPs are seriously worried, and the public, who in the early days of the pandemic backed even the most radical decisions, are now impatient and becoming fractious.
He could not have foreseen the magnitude of the task or the uncertainties that called for life and death making decisions, but he is being held responsible for not showing the leadership to get us through this traumatic time.
Perhaps the public was wrong in choosing a man with a flamboyant and lighthearted approach to life but thought he would become a serious, competent leader.
His failings are being exposed by his lack of openness, not just with the public, but even with his own members who struggle to make a mark in a parliament operating in unique style.
The House of Commons has always been a bullpit, raucous and lively, and the new members must long for a chance to be part of the drama.
Instead they have to wait their turn even to be seen, less alone heard.
How long can this go on?
I have thought for months that Mr Johnson may be realising that his task is beyond his skills or his inclination and I may be right.
It seems implausible for a British prime minister voluntarily to give up, especially when the country's future is at stake, but Mr Johnson, who is beset by problems and is obviously not physically fit, may be pondering.
The Sunday Times reports that one MP has said, 'Boris hasn't seemed himself for months.
'He doesn't look as though he is enjoying being prime minster.
At this rate it wouldn't surprise me if he is gone within a year'.
We will see.
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