Brown enjoying 'world's best job'

Mr Brown has previously appeared unwilling to say whether he is enjoying Number 10 since taking over from Tony Blair last June.

He often looks uncomfortable answering questions in the Commons, leading to speculation that he is finding it difficult to adjust to being the Government's "front man".

Over the past six months Mr Brown has also been buffeted by major issues such as flooding, foot and mouth disease, the near collapse of Northern Rock, and turmoil in international financial markets.

However, he told BBC One's Politics Show he still regarded himself as "very fortunate" to be running the country.

"There's a great deal of satisfaction in trying to help people in different ways and not just on the economy as I used to do, but on a whole range of other areas," Mr Brown said. "So I would say that I've been fortunate enough to be given the chance to do what I think is the best job in the world."

Mr Brown also dismissed criticism from the Tories that he has "dithered" over major decisions - such as whether to call an Autumn general election and whether Peter Hain had to go over donations blunders.

"I think the decisions that I've made, the big changes that I've made since I came in, show a level of resolution about the changes we've got to make for Britain as a whole," Mr Brown added.

The Prime Minister also reiterated his endorsement of Mr Blair as a potential candidate for the newly-created post of EU President.

"Tony Blair would be an excellent President," he said.