Thank you, Madam.
I'll start by answering the first part of your question concerning the nomination process. In early September, when I wasn't interested in applying for the position, I saw a newspaper article containing a list of hypothetical candidates. Soon after, I left on a four-week trip to Europe. When I returned, there were no reports in the press. I received a telephone call on November 17 informing me that the position had yet to be filled. I was expected to turn down the offer, as I had done in the case of other offers. I was asked to give the matter some serious thought. Given that the Prime Minister was asking, I felt that it was the least I could do. Ultimately, I was flattered and honoured to accept the offer. It wasn't an easy decision for my spouse and I to make, but I accepted for no specific reason other than the one I gave you, namely that it seemed like the right thing to do.